Systematic analysis of flammability reduction of polymer nanocomposites

Polymeric materials are widely used around the world along with high fire hazards due to their flammability. With wide applications of nanotechnology, researchers are currently focusing to develop polymer nanocomposites to enhance their performance in flammability reduction. These flame retardant polymer nanocomposites reduce the ignition time but when applied in proper composition they could reduce the peak heat release rate (PHRR) significantly. With an increasing emphasis on this research area, a database is required to record all the formulations and performance of flame retardant polymer nanocomposites. In this paper, major cone calorimeter test parameters such as ignition time, peak heat release rate, total heat release, were recorded from available literature for polymers including polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene (PE). Judging by the highest reduction (%) of PHRR, the best formulations of flame retardant polymer nanocomposite have been identified and listed. Ranges of PHRR reduction (%) of different formulations for individual polymers were determined. This review will provide insights to select and/or develop best formulations for flame retardant polymers in the future research.