Hydrothermal Synthesis of Nickel Hydroxide Nanostructures and Flame Retardant Poly Vinyl Alcohol and Cellulose Acetate Nanocomposites

Nickel hydroxide nanostructures were synthesized by a hydrothermal reaction. The effect of different precursors and surfactants on the morphology of nickel hydroxide nanostructures was investigated. Nanostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared  spectroscopy. The influence of Ni(OH)2 nanostructures on the thermal stability and flame retardancy of the poly vinyl alcohol and cellulose acetate matrix was studied using UL-94 analysis. The enhancement of thermal stability and flame retardancy of nanocomposites is due to the endothermic decomposition of Ni(OH)2 and release of water which dilutes combustible gases.