Enhanced thermal resistance of GO/C/phenolic nanocomposite by introducing ZrB2 nanoparticles

The effectiveness of different additives on improving the thermal stabilities of phenolic composite was investigated by incorporating of graphene oxide sheets (GO) into the carbon/phenolic (PR), and then the ZrB2 nanoparticles into the GO/PR composite. The GOs dissipate heat throughout the sample thereby reducing thermal gradients and the intensity of heating at the surface exposed to flame. Also, at higher exposure time, the resistance to oxidation of the nanocomposite begins taking advantage of the ongoing formation of an oxide coating layer (ZrO2) on the exposed face. This protected the underlying unoxidized material from the structural damage caused by thermal shocks and high shear forces.