Improving fire safety of epoxy filled with graphene hybrid incorporated with zeolitic imidazolate framework/layered double hydroxide

In this work, a novel graphene (RGO) hybrid added with Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework/Layered Double Hydroxide (ZIF/LDH) was prepared to obtain a synergistic system (RGO-LDH/ZIF-67). Subsequently, RGO-LDH/ZIF-67 was mixed into epoxy resin (EP) by physical blending for the purpose of improving its fire safety. Based on a series of tests and analyses, it was found that RGO-LDH/ZIF-67 was beneficial to reducing the heat release of EP during its burning process. The peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) of the composite with 2 wt% RGO-LDH/ZIF-67 were reduced to 464 kW m−2 and 37.9 MJ m−2, respectively. Simultaneously, the smoke production in its flame and flameless combustion were also reduced significantly. According to the char analysis of different composites, the main mechanism is discussed. This work provided a new type of modified RGO for improving the fire safety of EP. •RGO-LDH/ZIF-67 hybrids were synthesized via electrostatic interaction.•RGO-LDH/ZIF-67 hybrids endow EP good flame retardancy and smoke suppression.•The flame retardancy and smoke suppression mechanism was studied.•This simple treatment of EP could expand its fire safe applications.