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

Abstract 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.