1/2D SnO2 nanowires on MnO2 nanosheets hybrid architecture for reducing fire hazards of epoxy nanocomposites

SnO2 nanowires decorated MnO2 nanosheets hybrids, were prepared and incorporated into epoxy resins to improve the flame retardancy and inhibite the smoke in combustion. SnO2-MnO2 hybrids shows significant improve in flame retardancy, fire toxicity and thermal properties of epoxy nanocomposites, compared to neat epoxy and nanocomposites with a single SnO2 or MnO2. The char residues and glass transition temperature of the epoxy/2 wt% SnO2-MnO2 nanocomposite were remarkably increased. The peak heat release rate of EP/2 wt% SnO2-MnO2 was significantly decreased by 62.9% than that of pure epoxy. TG-FTIR results that the concentration of organic volatiles of epoxy was significantly reduced and the toxic CO was suppressed after incorporating SnO2-MnO2. The physical barrier for SnO2-MnO2 hybrids and the synergism between the catalysis effect of SnO2 and MnO2 can improve the flame retardancy of epoxy resin.