Designing 3D ternary-structure based on SnO2 nanoparticles anchored hollow polypyrrole microspheres interconnected with N, S co-doped graphene towards high-performance polymer composite

The designing of 3D ternary-structure based on SnO2 nanoparticles anchored hollow polypyrrole microspheres interconnected with N, S co-doped grapheme (NSG-P-SnO2). [Display omitted] •A 3D ternary-structure of NSG-P-SnO2 is rationally designed.•Remarkable enhancement in polymer fire safety is achieved by adding NSG-P-SnO2.•The flame retardancy comparison with reported work affirms the superiority of NSG-P-SnO2.•Obviously improved mechanical performance is also observed. Inherent nature of serious fire hazard including considerable heat and toxicants releases, have definitely compromised the extensive usage of epoxy resin (EP). In this investigation, a three-dimensional (3D) ternary-structure based on SnO2 nanoparticles anchored hollow polypyrrole microspheres interconnected with N, S co-doped graphene (NSG-P-SnO2) is rationally designed, and further incorporated into EP matrix. The markedly suppressed fire hazard is achieved after its incorporation. By adding 3.0 wt% NSG-P-SnO2, the reductions on peak heat release rate and total heat release values are 42.4 and 47.8%, separately, reflecting the impeded heat generation. Meanwhile, the peak smoke production rate and total smoke production values are obviously reduced by 27.0 and 40.2%, manifesting the attenuated fire toxicity. The flame retardancy comparison with reported work demonstrates the superiority of NSG-P-SnO2. Notably, the enhanced mechanical performance is also observed. By using 1.0 wt% NSG-P-SnO2, the storage modulus is remarkably elevated by 29.1%. Thus, it is concluded that, using this 3D ternary-structure can endow polymer with high fire safety and mechanical capability, synchronously. This work may provide effective inspiration towards developing multicomponent integrated architecture, optimizing their prospects in polymer-matrix composite as well as other fields.