Zero-dimensional nanomaterials for flame retardant epoxy thermosets and composites

Nanomaterials are used for flame retardant epoxy resin composites because of their excellent properties. The ultrasmall size (1-100nm) in three dimensions of zero-dimensional nanomaterials results in more obvious nano effects. For catalytic carbonization and the gas phase flame-retardant mechanism, the particle size of flame retardants directly affects the exposure of active sites. Compared with the same bulk materials, a larger reaction area of zero-dimensional nanospheres can improve the efficiency of chemical reactions. However, nanomaterials easily agglomerate or migrate from epoxy resin nanocomposites due to their large specific surface area and interface effect. The limited performance has boosted further research and development about the combination of zero-dimensional nanoparticles with other materials, which includes modification, complex systems and hybrids. Metal oxides, silica and zero-dimensional carbon nanomaterials used in flame retardant epoxy thermosets and composites are mainly involved. The flame retardancy and mechanisms of these epoxy resin composites are indicated. Moreover, future trends of zero-dimensional nanomaterials for flame retardant epoxy composites are also given in this chapter.