Microwave-assisted synthesis of SiO2 nanoparticles and its application on the flame retardancy of poly styrene and poly carbonate nanocomposites

Various morphologies of silica nanoparticles were synthesized by a microwave-assisted Pechini method. Silica nanostructures were synthesized via a fast reaction between tetra ethyl ortho silicate and ammonia at presence citric acid and other effective agents in Pechini procedure. Then for preparation of polymer-matrix nanocomposites, SiO2 nanoparticles were added to poly carbonate (PC) and poly styrene (PS) matrices. Nanostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). The influence of SiO2 nanostructures on the flame retardancy of the polymeric matrix was studied using UL- 94 analysis. Our results show that the SiO2 nanostructure can enhance the flame retardant property of the poly carbonate matrix. PC shows better flame retardancy compare to poly styrene.