ABSTRACT
Carbon nanotubes and nanofibers bring multiple advantages to polymers they are added to, namely, enhancement in mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. This allows them to be used as multi-functional materials in applications requiring fire safety. This chapter will provide a review of nanotubes and nanofibers in polymers, and will discuss their properties and end-use applications. Further, practical considerations for the use of carbon nanotubes and nanofibers will be discussed including manufacturing, analysis, and potential health and safety issues. Several examples of how these materials work to provide flame retardancy will be discussed, including the mechanism of action, how they work synergistically or antagonistically with various flame retardants, and how nanoparticle dispersion affects properties. Finally, an analysis on current limitations and future areas of research will be discussed.
