Influence of nano-LDHs on char formation and fire-resistant properties of flame-retardant coating

Flame-retardant nano-coatings were prepared by adding flame-retardant nano-concentrates to APP/PER/EN coating. Dispersion morphology and stability principle of nano-size magnesium aluminum-layered double hydroxides (nano-LDHs) have been studied by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Relation of added amount of nano-concentrates in flame-retardant coating to flame-retardant properties for APP/PER/EN system has been studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetry (TG) and fire protection test. It was indicated that nano-LDHs could catalyze the esterification reaction between ammonium polyphosphate and pentaerythritol, and IPN network formed by nano-size thermal-decomposed products of LDH could efficiently enhance char formation and structure of char layer. Only specific content (1.5%) of nano-LDHs in flame-retardant coating could efficiently improve its char layer structure and fire-resistant properties. Nano-LDHs (1.5%) greatly improve mechanical properties (bonding strength, bending resistance and resistance to freeze–thaw cycle) of flame-retardant coating.