Novel phosphorus-containing polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane functionalized Graphene oxide: preparation and its performance on the mechanical and flame-retardant properties of Bismaleimide composite

A novel phosphorus-containing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane functionized graphene oxide(P-POSS-GO) were achieved and the resultant functionized GO combined with 4 wt% P-POSS were incorporated into bismaleimide resin to prepare flame-retardant P-POSS-GO/P-POSS/DBMI composite. Fourier-transform infrared spectra, transmission electron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were employed to examine the efficiency of surface functionalization of GO. The composite containing P-POSS and modified GO exhibited excellent flame-retardant property and better thermal stability as well as high mechanical property. With the incorporation of 0.6 wt% P-POSS-GO and 4 wt% P-POSS to DBMI, satisfied flame retardant grade V-0 and LOI as high as 39.4 were obtained. The increase of degradation activation energy could be internal reason for the improvement of flame retardancy. Besides, P-POSS-GO can facilitate the growth of oxygen insulation and heat insulation char layer, which could be outer reason for the improvement of flame retardancy.