Fire Retardancy Behavior of Polymer/Clay Nanocomposites [Hardcover]

This thesis investigates the early ignition behavior of polymer/clay nanocomposites, which are perceived as potential eco-friendly flame retardant systems. It examines the correlation between clay structural chemistry and high-temperature transformations with clay-assisted decomposition of organic macromolecules. In particular, it investigates the unique effects of metal ions like Mg2+, Al3+ and Fe3+ that are inherent in clays (smectite) on the combustion and thermo-oxidative decomposition of polyamide 6. The results indicate that metal ions present on/in montmorillonite platelets have preferential reactivity towards peroxy/alkoxy groups during polyamide 6 thermal decomposition.? Lastly, a simple solution in the form of a physical coating on clay surface is proposed, based on the role of polymerclay interfacial interaction.

With a childhood dream of becoming an engineer by profession, Indraneel completed his Bachelors degree in Polymer Engineering from Maharashtra Institute of Technology, affiliated with University of Pune, India in 2003 and was a recipient of prestigious Shri Siddhivinayak Gold Medal for achieving first rank in Polymer Engineering. He later went on to attain his Masters degree in Materials Science & Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology, USA in 2011. His PhD degree from School of Materials Science & Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore under the l%