Ternary MXenes-based nanostructure enabled fire-safe and mechanic-robust EP composites with markedly impeded toxicants releases

Transition metals carbides/nitrides (MXenes) have been a hot spot in constructing fire-safe polymer composites, benefiting from their unique 2D nanostructure and catalytic activity. Here, a ternary hierarchical nanoarchitecture of Cu₂O@LMX is constructed, towards impairing the heat and toxic volatiles emissions of epoxy (EP) resin, thus extending its usage. After incorporating 6.0 wt% Cu₂O@LMX, the marked reductions of 43.4%, 31.2%, 42.8%, 42.1% on peak heat release rate, total heat release, peak smoke production rate, total smoke production are acquired. The superiority of Cu₂O@LMX in inhibiting the heat and toxic volatiles emissions is confirmed via comparison with reported fillers. Thermogravimetric analysis-infrared spectrometry (TG-IR) results confirm the greatly impeded releases of toxic CO, NO, HCN gases. Interestingly, using Cu₂O@LMX boosts the mechanical performances. Shortly, the simultaneous improvements in fire safety and mechanical property are achieved by adding Cu₂O@LMX. This work may offer valuable inspirations for the construction of high-performance MXenes based polymer composites.