Synthesis, Thermal Properties and Flame Retardance of Novel Phenolic Resin/Silica Nanocomposites

ABSTRACT The novel phenolic/silica hybrid ceramers were synthesized by sol-gel process. FTIR and 29 Si NMR were used to characterize the structure of the hybrids. Results revealed that Q 4 , Q 3 , T 3 are the major environments, i.e., it formed network structure. The thermal properties were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The char yields of the hybrids increase with increasing TEOS content. T d5 (the temperature of degradation at which weight loss is 5%) of the hybrid containing 20% TEOS content was 290°C. As the TEOS content increases to 80%, T d5 of the hybrid raises to 312°C. TEOS inorganic components enhance the thermal stability of hybrids. Limiting oxygen index (L.O.I.) and UL-94 test reveals that the hybrid ceramer possesses excellent flame retardance.