Reduced Flammability Vinyl Ester Resin Containing no Halogens for Use in Large Composite Ship Surface Structures via Nanocomposite Technology

Inorganic/organic (hybrid) nanoreinforcements based upon Nanostructured Chemicals and POSS-modified nano/macrofillers offer alternate mechanisms to fire retarding conventional hydrocarbon-based polymers. The two primary mechanisms provided bynanoreinforcements are (i) reduced volatilization of fuel (organic monomer/polymer) and (ii) the formation of oxidatively stable, nonpermeable surface chars. The objective of this Phase I SBIR proposal is to utilize the fundamental properties ofnanotechnology to develop a new class of nonhalogen containing fire retarded epoxidized vinyl ester resins with processing and material characteristics that meet or exceed those of DerakaneT 510A. Nanostructured Chemicals based upon Polyhedral OligomericSilsesquioxanes (POSST) will be utilized along with nanodimensioned clay nanoreinforcements. POSST-monomers and POSST-resins will be substituted for the standard styrene cocuratives and for the epoxidized vinyl ester resins currently used in bisphenol Abased epoxidized vinyl ester resins. Additionally POSS-modified nanodimensioned clays and organofunctionalized clays will be incorporated into nanohalogenated bisphenol A-based epoxidized vinyl ester resins to improve their physical and fire retardantproperties. The effect these nanostructures have upon the properties of epoxidized vinyl ester resins will be investigated relative to the type of nanoreinforcement and it's loading level. The physical, mechanical, and handling properties of thesenanocomposites will be examined and compared to current materials. By the conclusion of Phase I a down selection to one or more nanocomposite formulations will be possible. The most promising nanocomposite formulation will then undergo optimization andassessment for possible market launch.Improved fire safety of commodity sports equipment and electronic devices. Reduced waste and release of hazardous chemicals into the environment upon manufacture, combustion and disposal of epoxy vinyl ester resins.