Synthesis of nano-platelets of modified aluminium hydroxide by high-gravity reactive precipitation and hydrothermal method

Nano-hexagonal platelets of aluminium trihydroxide (ATH) were first time prepared by high-gravity reactive precipitation, and subsequently were modified as precursor by oxalic acid at hydrothermal condition. A new-style nano-flame retardant named modified aluminium hydroxide (MAH) was therefore obtained. The properties of nano-MAH and nano-ATH were characterized and compared using XRD, TEM, TG-DSC and BET. The results indicate that nano-ATH and nano-MAH have similar crystal structure, particle shape and endothermic enthalpy, however, nano-MAH has higher decomposition onset temperature, i.e. 330 °C, higher weight loss rate, i.e. 51% and higher specific surface area, i.e. 34.9 m2 g−1. Therefore, comparing with nano-ATH, nano-MAH can be applied in more polymers with the better dispersibility.