Fire-safe and mechanic-robust EP composites realized by cube-in-box hollow PBAs structure

As one of promising engineering plastics, epoxy resin (EP) has been a hot spot in various areas. Nevertheless, the further usage of EP has been challenged by the notorious problem of serious fire hazard. Here, we have utilized the strategies of epitaxial deposition and chemical transformation, acquiring the unique PBAs composites (Ni/Fe PBAs, Ni/Fe/Ni PBAs) and cube-in-box hollow PBAs structure (Ni/V/Ni PBAs). With the incorporations of 2.0 wt% Ni/Fe PBAs, Ni/Fe/Ni PBAs, Ni/V/Ni PBAs, the reductions of 28.0 %, 23.4 %, 31.1 % in peak heat release rate are discerned. At the same time, the decreases of 46.1 %, 20.4 %, 30.7 % in total smoke production are observed. The evidences for impaired releases of aromatic species, CO, NO gases are offered via Thermogravimetric analysis/infrared spectrometry (TG-IR) test. It is noteworthy that the catalytic oxidation effect of Ni/V/Ni PBAs facilitates the conversion of CO to CO₂. In virtue of mechanical interlocking forces, the elevations in mechanical capabilities are observed. Overall, this research offers enlightenments on hollow structure engineering, upon the construction of EP with high safety.