Title: Synthesis and characterization of graphene nano structure and investigation of its application in fire retardant properties
Authors: Haider Jabbar Kadim
Volume: 9
Issue: 5
Pages: 354-362
Publication Date: 2025/05/28
Abstract:
The development of advanced materials with enhanced flame-retardant properties has become a critical area of research, driven by the need for safer and more sustainable solutions. This study focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as flame-retardant materials. GO and rGO were synthesized using a chemical reduction method, and their structural, morphological, and thermal properties were thoroughly characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy. The results revealed that the reduction process significantly altered the structural and morphological properties of GO, leading to a more compact and thermally stable rGO with reduced oxygen content and fewer structural defects. The flame-retardant performance of GO and rGO was evaluated using limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL-94, and heat release rate (HRR) tests. The findings demonstrated that rGO exhibited superior flame-retardant properties compared to GO, with a higher LOI value (24.2%) and a significantly lower HRR (271.3 W/g). The improved performance of rGO is attributed to its reduced oxygen content, which minimizes fuel availability during combustion, and its compact structure, which enhances thermal stability. These results highlight the potential of rGO as an effective flame-retardant material for applications in polymers, coatings, and composites. As a result, this study provides valuable insights into the relationship between the structural properties of graphene-based materials and their flame-retardant performance.