The Effect of Mg(OH)2 Nanoparticles on the Thermal Stability and Flame Retardancy of Paraloid Nanocomposites

Paraloid-Mg(OH)2 nanocomposites were synthesized via sonochemical method. Nanostructures were characterized by XRD and SEM. Thermal stability behavior of paraloid filled with magnesium hydroxide was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The influence of Mg(OH)2 nanostructures on the flame retardancy of the paraloid matrix was studied using UL-94 analysis. Our results show that the Mg(OH)2 nanostructure can enhance the flame retardant property of the paraloid matrix. The enhancement of flame retardancy of nanocomposite is due to endothermic decomposition of Mg(OH)2 that absorbs energy and simultaneously releases of water (dilutes combustible gases). Photo-catalytic activity of the nanoparticles was evaluated by monitoring the degradation of methyl orange (MeO) in an aqueous solution.