In-situ encapsulated MXene nanosheets with bimetallic phosphate: Towards for reducing the fire risk of epoxy composites

It is strategic to work out effective protocols to minimize the release of heat and toxic fumes for epoxy resin (EP) composites. Herein, considering the promising flame-retardant activities of Ti3C2Tx MXene and phosphorus, a hierarchical MXene nanosheet (MXene@NCP) encapsulated with bimetallic phosphates were fabricated via solvothermal method to enhance the fire resistance of EP composites. Incorporating 2 wt% MXene@NCP enabled EP composites to improve thermal stability with reduced maximum mass loss rate and elevated char yield. Additionally, the reduced fire hazards were reflected in the drops of 35.5% in peak heat release rate , 34.8% in peak CO production rate and 44.9% in peak CO2 production rate, compared to those of pure EP, accompanied by a 60.1% increase in fire performance index and a 42.8% decrease in fire growth index . The co-actions between phosphates and MXene contributed to the boosted fire safety of EP composites: dehydration charring of (poly)phosphoric acid, catalytic attenuation and catalytic charring of transition metals derivatives, as well as the barrier effects of the layered structure.