Chitosan-bridged synthesis of 2D/2D hierarchical nanostructure towards promoting the fire safety and mechanical property of epoxy resin

Chitosan-bridged 2D/2D hierarchical nanostructure based on boron nitride (BN) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets (CBN-Mo-B) is constructed, towards impairing the fire hazard of epoxy resin (EP). With the loading of 2.0 wt% CBN-Mo-B, the peak heat release rate and total heat release are reduced by 28.1% and 25.7%, with the decreases of 35.4% and 36.4% in peak smoke production rate and total smoke production. The peak CO production rate and total CO production are decreased by 43.9% and 40.9%, verifying the obviously hindered CO emission. Also, the peak CO2 production rate is reduced by 32.6%. Thermogravimetric analysis-infrared spectrometry (TG-IR) analyses illustrate the depressed toxic gases production. The merit of CBN-Mo-B is certified via flame retardation contrast with reported fillers. Greatly enhanced mechanical performance is obtained, stemming from the well-generated nanosheet-polymer interfaces. This work may provide valuable inspirations for fabricating fire-safe and mechanic-robust polymer composites via developing 2D/2D hierarchical nanostructure.