Sugar and Surfactant-Assisted Synthesis of Mg(OH)2 Nano-flower and PVA Nanocomposites

• Main Authors: Asgari-Vadeghani, T., Ghanbari, D., Mozdianfar, M.R., Salavati-Niasari, M., Bagheri, S., Saberyan, K.
• Format: Article
• Published: Kluwer (now part of Springer) 2016
• Subjects: Q Science (General); TP Chemical technology
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/18351/; https://doi.org/10.1007/s10876-015-0930-6

Flower-like, nanoparticle and nano-plate of magnesium hydroxide were synthesized by a water precipitation reaction at room temperature. The effect of different sugars as capping agent like fructose, lactose, sucrose, glucose and conventional surfactants such as polymeric, cationic and anionic on the morphology of Mg(OH)2 was investigated. Results show that sugars are more efficient and cost effective to synthesize hierarchical nanostructures compare to current surfactants. The influence of Mg(OH)2 nanostructures on the thermal stability and flame retardancy of the poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix was studied using thermo-gravimetric analysis and UL-94 respectively. Because of hydrogen bonding between PVA and Mg(OH)2 additives, inorganic phase appropriately interacts with polymer matrix. Thermal decomposition of the nanocomposites shift towards higher temperature in the presence of Mg(OH)2 nanostructures. The enhancement of thermal stability and flame retardancy of nanocomposites is due to suitable compatibility, endothermic decomposition of Mg(OH)2, and release of water which dilutes combustible gases and MgO obstruction against flame, heat and oxygen.