Hindering effect of graphene oxide on reaction performance of Al/MnO2 nanothermite system

Graphene oxide (GO) with outstanding mechanical properties and high temperature stability is attractive to many researchers. As a flame retardant, GO also has been widely used in fire resistance applications of polymers. Herein, to explore ignition resistance effect of GO on nanothermite, GO/Al/MnO 2 nanocomposites were prepared. Due to the large specific surface area, GO can completely cover the surface of nanothermite components. Thermal results showed that exothermic thermite reaction occurred in the range of 500 °C to 600 °C while with GO addition, thermite reaction did not happen at all. Originally, combustion phenomenon of Al/MnO 2 nanothermite was intense with bright flame, but GO/Al/MnO 2 nanocomposites cannot be ignited even if the current on heating wires was higher. The physical barrier of GO hinders the direct contact between fuel and oxidizer which prevents the occurrence of self-propagating thermite reaction. This work provides guiding significance to the design of nanothermite flame retardant.