Influence of zinc stannate and graphene hybrids on reducing the toxic gases and fire hazards during epoxy resin combustion

Spinel zinc stannate (Zn₂SnO₄, ZS) was successfully synthesized by a simple hydrothermal route, and graphene(G) was used as the carrier to form graphene‐zinc stannate (G‐ZS) hybrids. The resulted G‐Zn₂SnO₄ (G‐ZS) was incorporated to epoxy resin for the purpose of reducing the toxicity hazards during combustion. Toxic gas analyzer results showed that the ZS hybrids possess high efficiency on reducing the generation of NOx, HCN, and CO. Cone calorimeter results of the G‐ZS/EP composites showed about 40% decrease on peak heat release rate compared with pristine EP which meant better fire performance. Also, TG‐IR technology was used to further investigate the gases release during the EP decomposition process. Particularly, the CO release had decreased about 80% than pure EP. This work constructs a new strategy to make a binary metal oxides system which would be efficient in reducing the toxic gases during polymer combustion. Besides, a proper bridge‐effect is proposed to illustrate the proper mechanism.