In situ growth of 0D silica nanospheres on 2D molybdenum disulfide nanosheets: Towards reducing fire hazards of epoxy resin.

This report described a facile process for the preparation of 2D/0D MoS2-SiO2 hybrids using a simple in situ growth method, with the purpose of promoting the dispersion of MoS2 in polymer matrices and improving the properties of polymer materials. FTIR, XPS, TGA and TEM measurements were performed to characterize the structure and morphology of the synthesized hybrids which were then introduced into epoxy to reduce flammability. The hybrids dispersed well in the epoxy matrix. No obvious agglomerations were observed. In comparison with those of neat epoxy, the incorporation of a low loading of MoS2-SiO2 hybrids resulted in significant decrements in heat release rate, total heat release and volume of toxic effluents released during combustion, which indicated that the fire hazards of epoxy composites were strongly reduced. The good dispersion, labyrinth barrier effect and the catalytic effect of MoS2-SiO2 hybrids on char formation may contribute to the observed decrease in the flammability of epoxy resin.