Dual char-forming strategy driven MXene-based fire-proofing epoxy resin coupled with good toughness

It is challenging that the functionalized MXene-based nanofillers are designed to modify the inherent flammability and poor toughness of epoxy polymeric materials and further to facilitate the application of EP composites. Herein, silicon-reinforced Ti₃C₂T_x MXene-based nanoarchitectures (MXene@SiO₂) are synthesized by simple self-growth method, and its enhancement effects on epoxy resin (EP) are investigated. The as-prepared nanoarchitectures realize homogeneous dispersion in EP matrix, indicating well performance-enhancing potential. The incorporation of MXene@SiO₂ achieves improved thermal stability for EP composites with higher T_-5% and lower R_max values. Moreover, EP/2 wt% MXene@SiO₂ composites obtain a 30.2% and 34.0% reduction in peak heat release rate (PHRR) and peak smoke production rate (PSPR) compared to those of pure EP, respectively, also achieving a 52.5% fall in smoke factor (SF) values and increased yield and stability of chars. The dual char-forming effects of MXene@SiO₂ nanoarchitectures, including the catalytic charring of MXene and the migration of SiO₂ to induce charring, are accounted for the results, as well as lamellar barrier effects. Additionally, EP/MXene@SiO₂ composites achieve an enhanced storage modulus of 51.5%, along with improved tensile strength and elongation at break, compared to those of pure EP.