The influence of cobalt oxide–graphene hybrids on thermal degradation, fire hazards and mechanical properties of thermoplastic polyurethane composites

Abstract In this work, cobalt oxide nanoparticles decorated on graphene nanosheets was firstly synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. The structure and morphology of the synthesized hybrids were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectrum and Transmission electron microscopy measurements. Subsequently, the hybrids were introduced into thermoplastic polyurethane matrix for acting as reinforcements. The hybrids were well dispersed in thermoplastic polyurethane and no obvious aggregation of graphene nanosheets was observed. The obtained nanocomposites exhibited significant improvements in thermal stability, flame retardancy, mechanical properties and reduced the fire toxicity effectively, compared with those of neat polyurethane. The obvious improvements of these properties were mainly attributed to the ‘‘tortuous path’’ effect of graphene nanosheets, catalytic char formation function of cobalt oxide–graphene hybrids and the synergism between the catalysis effect of cobalt oxide nanoparticles and the adsorption effect of graphene nanosheets.