Flame‐retardant materials: synergistic effect of halloysite nanotubes on the flammability properties of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene composites

Novel well‐dispersed nanocomposites of halloysite nanotubes and acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene were prepared. The fire retardancy and thermal stability of these new nanocomposites were improved. A synergistic effect was observed between the halloysite nanotubes and an intumescent flame‐retardant system consisting of ammonium polyphosphate, melamine polyphosphate and pentaerythritol in the acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene composites. The incorporation of the intumescent flame‐retardant material into the halloysite–polymer nanocomposite system also improved the thermal stability and reduced the peak heat release rate by up to 56.2%, and it significantly reduced the emission of CO and CO 2 gases. The morphology and dispersion of the halloysite nanotubes were characterized using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The thermal stability and flammability properties were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis and cone calorimeter tests. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry