Conclusion
Polymer-layered silicate nanocomposites may be considered to be environmentally friendly alternatives to some traditional flame retardants. Not only does this fact give rise to a promising means of producing flame-retarding polymers, but it does not have the usual drawbacks associated with other additives. For instance, relatively low concentrations of silicates are necessary compared with the amounts used for conventional additive flame retardants in order to achieve similar or indeed, superior levels of flame retardancy. Moreover, polymer nanocomposites can be processed with normal techniques used for polymers like extrusion, injection moulding and casting. Furthermore, the physical properties of the polymer are not degraded but are greatly improved. An additional advantage is that during combustion, the silicates remain intact at very high temperatures and act as insulating layers against the heat. They slow down the release of volatile decomposition products from the polymer, and thus impart a self-extinguishing character to it.
Clearly, nanocomposites offer novel means of developing flame-retardant polymeric materials and increased research in this area continues to signify their potential.
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