Mass‐productions of porous polyethylene template with controlled array structure

Well‐ordered, globally oriented composite fibers with micro/nanowire arrays of polystyrene (PS) fibers embedded in polyethylene (PE) were prepared by an iterative melt co‐drawing and the bundling technique. With section‐cutting of the PE/PS fiber and the dissolution of inner PS, porous PE fibers were obtained. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the distribution of pores were regular hexagonal, the diameters of the pores after the third drawing step were about 175 nm, and the spacings of pores were 1–2 micron. There was good agreement between calculated and experimental values for the pore diameters and spacings. The obtained porous template was used to prepare Cu nanowires by electrochemical deposition. SEM in combination with the energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX) indicated that Cu nanowires were successfully deposited in the pores of the template. Potential applications of this simple and inexpensive fabrication technology were discussed for preparing micro/nanowire arrays with highly controllable geometric parameters. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1211–1218, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Core‐shell method of synthesis,characterizations, and ac conductivity studies of polyaniline/n‐TiO2 composites

Polyaniline/nano‐titanium dioxide composites (PANI/n‐TiO₂) were prepared using α‐dextrose as surfactant and ammonium per sulfate as oxidant. The PANI/n‐TiO₂ composite is characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra and confirmed the presence of benzenoid and qunoide ring structures and also formation of free ions. The transmission electron microscopy study reveals that the size of TiO₂ is in the order of 7 nm where as the composite size is of the order of 13 nm; further, it is observed that the TiO₂ particles are intercalated to form a core shell of PANI. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies show that the monoclinic structure of the composites. ac Conductivity, permittivity, and tangent loss studies on these samples suggest that these composites may be well suited for gas sensor. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Bone morphogenetic protein‐2 immobilization on porous PCL‐BCP‐Col composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

The objective of this study was to develop novel porous composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering through surface modification of polycaprolactone–biphasic calcium phosphate‐based composites (PCL–BCP). PCL–BCP composites were first fabricated with salt‐leaching method followed by aminolysis. Layer by layer (LBL) technique was then used to immobilize collagen (Col) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP‐2) on PCL–BCP scaffolds to develop PCL–BCP–Col–BMP‐2 composite scaffold. The morphology of the composite was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The efficiency of grafting of Col and BMP‐2 on composite scaffold was measured by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Both XPS and FTIR confirmed that Col and BMP‐2 were successfully immobilized into PCL–BCP composites. MC3TC3‐E1 preosteoblasts cells were cultivated on composites to determine the effect of Col and BMP‐2 immobilization on cell viability and proliferation. PCL–BCP–Col–BMP‐2 showed more cell attachment, cell viability, and proliferation bone factors compared to PCL–BCP‐Col composites. In addition, in vivo bone formation study using rat models showed that PCL–BCP–Col–BMP‐2 composites had better bone formation than PCL–BCP‐Col scaffold in critical size defect with 4 weeks of duration. These results suggest that PCL–BCP–Col–BMP‐2 composites can enhance bone regeneration in critical size defect in a rat model with 4 weeks of duration. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45186.     

Fabrication of Palladium Membranes Supported on a Silicalite‐1 Zeolite‐Modified Alumina Tube for Hydrogen Separation

Thin palladium membranes were fabricated on macroporous α‐Al₂O₃ tubes by electroless plating. The silicalite‐1 (Sil‐1) zeolite serving as intermediate and diffusion barrier layer was introduced to modify the surface roughness and pore size of the porous substrate and prevent the atomic interdiffusions of the metal elements between Pd layer and the support. The Pd composite membranes were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), revealing that morphology and structure of the Sil‐1 layer significantly influence the Pd membrane preparation. Single‐gas permeation tests were carried out with gas H₂ and N₂ to determine the permeation performance of the membranes. The resulting membrane exhibited long‐term stability under hydrogen permeation.     

Structure and morphology of nanoporous zno and dark current‐Voltage characteristics of the glass/(TCO)/zno/poly[2,7‐(9,9‐dioctylfluorene)‐alt‐(5,5'‐bithiophene)/ag structure

The hybrid organic‐inorganic structure based on glass/(TCO)/nanoporous ZnO/poly[2,7‐(9,9‐dioctylfluorene)‐alt‐(5,5′‐bithiophene)]/Ag that was prepared by physical deposition has been investigated. The structure of the nanostructured ZnO obtained by magnetron sputtering was confirmed by X‐ray diffractometry (XRD) and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis proved the existence of short and interconnected zinc oxide (ZnO) fibers, which form a continuous porous network with pores having an average diameter of 100 nm. Current‐voltage (I‐V) curves of the glass/TCO/ZnO/PF‐BT/Ag hybrid structure are similar to those of typical p‐n junctions and stable until 90°C temperature. According to the I‐V characteristics, the dominant mechanism of current flow is based on the generation‐recombination of carriers in the depletion region at low direct biases and also on the injection of carriers at high biases. The reverse branch of the I‐V characteristic, calculated in log‐log scale, shows one segment with a power coefficient of 3/2 at room temperature. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42415.     

Covalent approach for in situ enhancement of interaction between pristine graphene and styrene‐butadiene‐p‐(2,2,2‐triphenylethyl)styrene rubber

A facile method for enhancing the interaction between pristine graphene and nonpolar rubber matrices was developed by preparing a new solution‐polymerized styrene‐butadiene‐p‐(2,2,2‐triphenylethyl)styrene (TPES) rubber (SBTR). SBTR macroradicals were formed by the thermal decomposition of a 1,1,1,2‐tetraphenylethane pendant. The macroradicals were successfully trapped by graphene through the formation of covalent bonds. This was confirmed by rotorless rheometer and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. The dispersion of graphene and interfacial interaction between graphene and the SBTR was significantly increased by increasing the TPES content in SBTR composites, as demonstrated by differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, rubber process analysis, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The mechanical properties of the SBTR/GNS composites were significantly improved by the improved dispersion and the increased surface affinity of SBTR for graphene. The developed approach can be generally applied to the functionalization of other polymer matrices by copolymerizing TPES with other vinyl monomers for pristine graphene‐based composite materials. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44923.     

Solid‐state synthesis and characterization of polyaniline/nano‐TiO2 composite

Polyaniline/nano‐TiO₂ composites with the content of nano‐TiO₂ varying from 6.2 wt % to 24.1 wt % were prepared by using solid‐state synthesis method at room temperature. The structure and morphology of the composites were characterized by the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, ultraviolet‐visible (UV–vis) absorption spectra, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The electrochemical performances of the composites were investigated by galvanostatic charge–discharge measurement, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results from FTIR and UV–vis spectra showed that the composites displayed higher oxidation and doping degree than pure PANI. The XRD and morphological studies revealed that the inclusion of nano‐TiO₂ particles hampered the crystallization of PANI chains in composites, and the composites exhibited mixed particles from free PANI particles and the nano‐TiO₂ entrapped PANI particles. The galvanostatic charge–discharge measurements indicated that the PANI/nano‐TiO₂ composites had higher specific capacitances than PANI. The composite with 6.2 wt % TiO₂ had the highest specific capacitance among the composites. The further electrochemical tests on the composite electrode with 6.2 wt % TiO₂ showed that the composite displayed an ideal capacitive behavior and good rate ability. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Layer‐by‐layer modification of porous polybenzoxazine with silver nanoparticles for enhanced CO2 storage

Polybenzoxazine (PBZ) xerogels have been synthesized via quasi solventless method and coated with silver nanoparticles using the layer‐by‐layer (LbL) deposition method. After coating, the samples were carbonized at 800 °C to obtain high surface area porous carbon materials to be used for CO₂ storage. Evidences of the successful LbL deposition of the coating was provided by ultraviolet–visible and attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the silver nanoparticles top layer was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Results showed that the samples coated with silver nanoparticles displayed an increased CO₂ capacity from 3.02 to 3.39 mmol g^?1 when compared with the plain carbon PBZ. The LbL method for the modification of the pore surface in porous PBZ is simple and allows the facile tuning of the inner PBZ pore's surface chemistry with metallic nanoparticles that could be enhanced CO₂ storage capacity. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134 , 45097.     

Porous palygorskite‐polythiophene conductive composites for acrylic coatings

Modified palygorskite‐polythiophene (MPA‐PTh) composites were prepared by chemical oxidative polymerization of palygorskite (PA) nucleartor with thiophene (Th) after the surface modification with γ‐(2,3‐epoxypropoxy) propytrimethoxysilane (KH‐560). The MPA‐PTh composites were doped in iodine vapor to create the porous palygorskite‐polythiophene (PMPA‐PTh) conductive composites. Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms using the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method (BET) and electrochemical impedance spectrum (EIS) techniques were applied to characterize the modified PA and the prepared composites. According to FTIR and XPS, the KH‐560 was bound to the PA surface and the iodine ion (I₃^? and I₅^?) entered the PTh molecular chains. XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, and EIS analysis confirmed that the doping of iodine not only transform the core–shell MPA‐PTh into the PMPA‐PTh but also improve the electrical conductivity of composites. The PMPA‐PTh composites were fabricated that yield a volume resistivity of ～2.44 × 10² Ω cm and a internal resistances of ～100 Ω, and their BET surface area, BJH (Barrett–Joiner–Halenda) average pore size and BJH cumulative pore volume were improved in comparison with those of the MPA‐PTh composites. SEM images showed that the PMPA‐PTh composites could form consecutive space network and the PMPA‐PTh composites acrylic coating films had advisable conductivity. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Comparative studies on corrosion protection properties of polyimide‐silica and polyimide‐clay composite materials

Comparative studies on corrosion protection properties of polyimide‐silica‐clay composites were studied in this article. A series of polyimide‐silica (PIS), polyimide‐clay (PIC), and polyimide‐silica‐clay composites (PISC) materials, consisting of an organo‐soluble polyimide (ODA‐BSAA) matrix, inorganic silica particles prepared through the sol–gel reaction of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and dispersed nanolayers of inorganic montmorillonite clay, were successfully prepared by solution dispersion technique. Then, all samples were characterized by FTIR, powder X‐ray diffraction patterns, transmission electron microscopy, and ²⁹Si solid‐state NMR. The main focus of this article is the comparison of the corrosion protection properties of PIS, PIC, and PISC composite materials. Normally, the aspect ratio of clay is higher than silica. Superior dispersion of clay platelets into a polymer matrix may effectively increase the length of diffusion pathways for oxygen and water. The effects of the materials composition on the corrosion protection performance, gas barrier, and optical properties, in the form of both coating and film, were also studied by electrochemical corrosion measurements (e.g., corrosion potential, polarization resistance, corrosion current, and impedance spectroscopy), gas permeability analysis, and UV‐visible transmission spectroscopy. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Poly(methyl methacrylate)/montmorillonite nanocomposites prepared with a novel reactive phosphorus–nitrogen‐containing monomer of N‐(2‐(5,5‐dimethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaphosphinyl‐2‐ylamino)ethyl)‐ acrylamide and its thermal and flame retardant properties

A novel reactive phosphorus–nitrogen‐containing monomer, N‐(2‐(5,5‐dimethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaphosphinyl‐2‐ylamino)ethyl)‐acrylamide (DPEAA), was synthesize and characterized. Flame retardant poly(methyl methacrylate)/organic‐modified montmorillonite (PMMA‐DPEAA/OMMT) nanocomposites were prepared by in situ polymerization by incorporating methyl methacrylate, DPEAA, and OMMT. The results from X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that exfoliated PMMA‐DPEAA/OMMT nanocomposites were formed. Thermal stability and flammability properties were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, cone calorimeter, and limiting oxygen index (LOI) tests. The synergistic effect of DPEAA and montmorillonite improved thermal stability and reduced significantly the flammability [including peak heat release rates (PHRR), total heat release, average mass loss rate, etc.]. The PHRR of PMMA‐DPEAA/OMMT was reduced by about 40% compared with pure PMMA. The LOI value of PMMA‐DPEAA/OMMT reached 27.3%. The morphology and composition of residues generated after cone calorimeter tests were investigated by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), TEM, and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX). The SEM and TEM images showed that a compact, dense, and uniform intumescent char was formed for PMMA‐DPEAA/OMMT nanocomposites after combustion. The results of EDX confirmed that the carbon content of the char for PMMA‐DPEAA/OMMT nanocomposites increased obviously by the synergistic effect of DPEAA and montmorillonite. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Alkali‐responsive membrane prepared by grafting dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate onto ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer membrane

An alkali‐responsive membrane was prepared by grafting dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) onto ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVAL) membrane using ultraviolet (UV) irradiation graft polymerization. A subtranslucent state of EVAL membrane swelling in the DMAEMA solution was observed, and such a state enabled the passage of UV light through all the pores, inducing graft polymerization inside the pores and on the back. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier‐transform infrared spectrometer (ATR‐FTIR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscope (EDX) confirmed that the poly(DMAEMA)‐grafted chains existed not only on the top surface, but also inside the pores and on the back. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nitrogen adsorption analysis confirmed that the grafted chains collapsed in air, and decreased the surface roughness, surface area, and pore size of the grafted membranes. Alkali‐responsive properties of the poly(DMAEMA)‐grafted EVAL membrane (i.e., contact angle, permeability, and selectivity) were observed in the pH range of 9–10. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41775.     

Performance of natural‐fiber–plastic composites under stress for outdoor applications: Effect of moisture,temperature, and ultraviolet light exposure

The effects of moisture, temperature, and ultraviolet (UV) light on performance of natural‐fiber–plastic composites (NFPC) were assessed. We conducted short‐term tests in the laboratory and long‐term tests under natural exposure and measured changes in mechanical properties and color in samples of the composite. Chemical changes of the composite's materials were measured by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy to elucidate the mechanisms of chemical transformations on the material surface. Relative humidity highly affected the modulus of rupture (MOR) and the modulus of elasticity (MOE), and had a greater effect than temperature and UV exposure on performance of the composite. The lightness of the composite was increased by the UV effect in the short‐ and the long‐term tests. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis suggested that the composite was protected by the UV absorber. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 2570–2577, 2006     

Injection‐molded porous hydroxyapatite/polyamide‐66 scaffold for bone repair and investigations on the experimental conditions

Hydroxyapatite/polyamide‐66 (HA/PA66) composite scaffolds were prepared using injection‐molding technique and also analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and mechanical testing. Compared with common methods to fabricate scaffolds, this process can fabricate composite scaffolds in a rapid and convenient manner by adjusting the experimental conditions of foaming agent and shot size. The interactions between PA66 and HA particles affect the crystallization behavior of PA66 and the pore structure of scaffolds. HA particles can increase the stiffness of composite scaffolds accompanied by the reduction of impact strength, pore size and porosity. The obtained 40 wt% HA/PA66 composite scaffolds with a pore size ranging from 100–500 μm and a porosity more than 65% can simultaneously meet the requirements of porous structure and mechanical performance. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:1003–1012, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

The effect of organoclay on the mechanical properties and morphology of injection‐molded polyamide 6/polypropylene nanocomposites

Nanocomposites containing a thermoplastic blend and organophilic layered clay (organoclay) were produced by melt compounding. The blend composition was kept constant [polyamide 6 (PA6) 70 wt % + polypropylene (PP) 30 wt %], whereas the organoclay content was varied between 0 and 10 wt %. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were determined on injection‐molded specimens in both tensile and flexural loading. Highest strength values were observed at an organoclay content of 4 wt % for the blends. The flexural strength was superior to the tensile one, which was traced to the effect of the molding‐induced skin‐core structure. Increasing organoclay amount resulted in severe material embrittlement reflected in a drop of both strength and strain values. The morphology of the nanocomposites was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy‐dispersion X‐ray analysis (EDX), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). It was established that the organoclay is well dispersed (exfoliated) and preferentially embedded in the PA6 phase. Further, the exfoliation degree of the organoclay decreased with increasing organoclay content. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 175–189, 2004     

Conducting composites of poly(N‐vinylcarbazole), polypyrrole,and polyaniline with 13X‐zeolite

N‐vinylcarbazole (NVC) was polymerized by 13X zeolite alone in melt (65°C) or in toluene (110°C) and a poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) (PNVC)‐13X composite was isolated. Composites of polypyrrole (PPY) and polyaniline(PANI) with 13X zeolite were prepared via polymerization of the respective monomers in the presence of dispersion of 13X zeolite in water (CuCl₂ oxidant) and in CHCl₃ (FeCl₃ oxidant) at an ambient temperature. The composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared analyses. Scanning electron microscopic analyses of various composites indicated the formation of lumpy aggregates of irregular sizes distinct from the morphology of unmodified 13X zeolite. X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed some typical differences between the various composites, depending upon the nature of the polymer incorporated. Thermogravimetric analyses revealed the stability order as: 13X‐zeolite > polymer‐13X‐zeolite > polymer. PNVC‐13X composite was essentially a nonconductor, while PPY‐13X and PANI‐13X composites showed direct current conductivity in the order of 10^?4 S/cm in either system. However, the conductivity of PNVC‐ 13X composite could be improved to 10^?5 and 10^?6 S/cm by loading PPY and PANI, respectively. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 913–921, 2006     

Preparation and properties of castor oil‐based polyurethane/α‐zirconium phosphate composite films

Novel castor oil‐based polyurethane/α‐zirconium phosphate (PU/α‐ZrP) composite films with different α‐ZrP loading (0–1.6 wt %) and different NCO/OH molar ratios were synthesized by a solution casting method. The characteristic properties of the PU/α‐ZrP composite films were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and tensile testing. The results from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding formed between α‐ZrP and PU, XRD and SEM results revealed that the α‐ZrP particles were uniformly distributed in the PU matrix at low loading, and obvious aggregation existed at high loading. Because of hydrogen bonding interactions, the maximum values of tensile strength were obtained with 0.6 wt % α‐ZrP loading and 1.5 of NCO/OH molar ratio in the matrix. Evidence proved that the induced α‐ZrP used as a new filler material can affect considerably the mechanical and thermal properties of the composites. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Effect of γ‐aminopropyl trimethoxy silane on the performance of jute–polycarbonate composites

The composites of jute fabrics (hessian cloth) and polycarbonate were prepared by compression molding. The jute surface was modified with γ‐aminopropyl trimethoxy silane (Z‐6011) to improve interfacial adhesion between jute and polycarbonate. The treated and untreated jute surfaces as well as composites were investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Environmental scanning electron microscopy, Dynamic mechanical analysis, and mechanical testing. XPS and FTIR assure that the silane plays important role to form interfacial bonding with the jute fibers and polycarbonate. The surface topography of silanized and virgin fibers, and the interfacial adhesion properties of the composite were investigated by ESEM. DMA analysis shows the improved storage and loss moduli of silanized jute composite as compared to the untreated one. The modified jute composite also produces enhanced mechanical properties. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 4142–4154, 2006     

Controlling the microstructure of lyophilized porous biocomposites by the addition of ZnO‐doped bioglass

The study presents the results of the study on porous composite biomaterials obtained using lyophilization method based on polymer solutions: chitosan solution, sodium alginate solution, or polylactide solution, and ZnO‐doped bioglass from CaO‐SiO₂‐P₂O₅ system. The properties of zinc ions were used, which have bactericidal, immune‐stimulating, and tissue‐regenerating functions in the organism. The effects of the polymer type, granulation, and bioglass amount, as well as the amount of solvent on composite microstructure, were studied. SEM‐EDS technique was used to visualize and describe the surface results occurring after incubation of composite in the Simulated Body Fluid (SBF). The selected method of preparation, used substrates, and the process conditions resulted in porous composites of the open, connected pore structure. It was proved that composite microstructure may be controlled by the appropriately selected amount of bioglass in relation to the polymer and its appropriate grain sizes. The morphology of the obtained composites is also affected by the amount of the solvent in lyophilizated dispersions. It was proved that bioactivity in composite material is induced by bioglass because after SBF incubation the surface layer is enriched with Ca and P, what may lead to a gradual formation of apatite layer. The obtained results enabled selection of the composites for further in vitro studies concerning cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity.     

An easy‐to‐obtain silicone‐containing flame retardant and its effects on the combustion of polycarbonate

A novel silicone‐containing flame retardant (HSOBA) synthesized from hydrogen‐containing silicone oil and Bisphenol A via a simple approach has been incorporated into polycarbonate (PC) matrix to study its effects on the flame retardancy. The flame retardancy of PC/HSOBA composites is investigated by limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning tests (UL‐94), and cone calorimeter measurement. The LOI value of the composites is 31.7 and the UL‐94 rating reaches V‐0, when the content of HSOBA is 3 wt %. Cone calorimeter data confirm that the HSOBA acts as an effective additive functioning both as flame retardants and as smoke suppressant. Evolution of the thermal behaviors of the composites tested by TGA, the morphological structures, and the constituent of char residue after LOI tests characterized by scanning electronic microscopy‐energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis were used to explain the possible flame‐retardant mode. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012