Imidazole diphenyl phosphate-boron nitride nanoflakes for significantly enhancing flame retardation and thermal transport performance of epoxy

Abstract

In this work, a novel imidazole diphenyl phosphate-boron nitride nanoflakes (IDPP-BNNS) hybrid filler is prepared via a neutralization reaction of diphenyl phosphoric acid and imidazole and subsequent IDPP-assisted ball milling and eco-friendly water purification process. IDPP and IDPP-BNNS are used as a curing agent and filler to endow epoxy with superior multifunctional properties of flame retardancy, thermal transport and electrical insulation. Compared to those of epoxy, the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) of this epoxy composite with 5 vol.% IDPP-BNNS are significantly reduced by 67.9% and 71.2%, respectively. Moreover, its release percentage of toxic and combustible gases is remarkably reduced by an in-situ measurement. More importantly, the versatile epoxy composite exhibits enhanced thermal conductivity and excellent electrical insulation properties.