Core-shell carbon nanotubes/cobalt copper hydroxide hybrid/silicone rubber composite: flame retardancy and antistatic properties

The range of application for silicone rubber (SR) is limited due to its poor flame retardant and antistatic properties. For the purpose of improving SR properties, in this study, a core-shell structured carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/cobalt copper hydroxide (CuCo-DH) hybrid was successfully prepared by a hydrothermal method, with cobalt copper hydroxide (CuCo-DH) as its core and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as its shell. CNTs/CuCo-DH hybrid was added to SR to prepare an SR composite material, and the effect of the hybrid on flame retardancy and antistatic properties of the SR material was investigated. The cone calorimeter test (CCT) results showed that the total heat release (THR) of the SR composite with the addition of 3 phr of CNTs/CuCo-DH decreased by 25.2%, its peak heat release rate (pHRR) decreased by 31.2%, and its total smoke production (TSP) decreased by 28.1%. In addition, with 3 phr of CNTs/CuCo-DH hybrid added, the volume resistivity of the SR composite decreased from 1.96 x 10(14) to 3.52 x 10(10) omega & BULL;cm, which met the requirements of antistatic materials. Therefore, the prepared new SR/CNTs/CuCo-DH composite would help to expand the range of applications of SR materials. In addition, the residual char of the composite was analyzed by SEM, FTIR and XRD, and the fire retardant mechanism was studied in detail.