Sol-gel chemistry as a facile way for the synthesis of flame retardant hybrid epoxy nanocomposites

Epoxy resins are suitable for the manufacturing of different materials for many industrial applications. However, they are easily flammable, especially when cured with aliphatic amines, and thus the adoption of specific flame retardants (FRs) is commonly required. Among the available FRs, silicon- and phosphorus-based FRs are spreading on the market. The in-situ sol-gel strategy allows for the preparation of no dripping self-extinguishing silica-epoxy nanocomposites. The in-situ growth mechanism of silica nanocrystals occurs through the formation of inverse micelle systems by hydrolysis and condensation reactions. This methodology can also lead to other inorganic nanostructures, for example Si-P oxides and magnesium hydroxide.