Unlocking epoxy thermal management capability via hierarchical Ce-MOF@MoS₂ hybrid constructed by in-situ growth...

This study demonstrates the preparation of needle-like Ce-MOF crystals on molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) nanosheets using in-situ growth technology. This hybrid structure significantly enhances the thermal management and mechanical properties of thermosetting epoxy resin (EP). Specifically, EP/Ce-MOF@MoS₂-3 exhibits a notable increase in tensile strength (TS) to 50.87 MPa and elongation at break (EB) to 10.84 %. Moreover, Ce-MOF@MoS₂ provides synergistic flame retardant benefits, reducing the peak heat release rate (pHRR) and total heat release (THR) of EP/Ce-MOF@MoS₂-3 by 38 % and 12.64 %, respectively, compared to EP-0. Additionally, Ce-MOF@MoS₂ suppresses smoke and reduces toxic emissions; at a 3 % loading, it decreases CO and CO₂ production in EP nanocomposites by 48.8 % and 38.7 %, respectively. Thus, this Ce-MOF@MoS₂ hybrid, synthesized via in-situ growth, offers a novel approach for developing EP nanocomposites with superior thermal management and mechanical properties, along with effective flame retardancy and reduced hazardous emissions during thermal events.