%R 10.1080/14658011.2020.1833557 %J Plastics, Rubber and Composites %V 50 %O cited By 16 %T The effect of graphene oxide on the mechanical, thermal characteristics and flame retardancy of polyurethane %A M. Sabet %A H. Soleimani %A E. Mohammadian %A S. Hosseini %L scholars16002 %P 61-70 %X Presence of GO in PU muffles discharge of heat, smoke and CO and CO2 into atmosphere. The maximum improvement in mechanical properties achieved by including 2.0 wt- of GO in PU framework, indicating an increase in tensile stress and elongation at break of 155.1 and 27.7 compared to PU. Primary temperature of thermal degradation of PU/GO nanocomposite increased by 36.5°C with 3.0 wt- of GO. Charred yield of PU/GO composites augmented due to GOs� physical hindrance which limits diffusion of flammable gas. Muffling effect of GO in danger of flame and smoke exposure of polymer composites decreased by introduction of 3.0 wt- of GO. Uniform distribution of GOs within PU matrix formed a strong, twisted route and sticky char in PU/GO composites and delayed thermal deterioration process. Thereby, this work introduces an important method for improving thermal stability and fire protection of PU providing an effective application for coating industry. © 2020 Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining Published by Taylor & Francis on behalf of the Institute. %D 2021 %I Taylor and Francis Ltd. %K Deterioration; Fire protection; Graphene, Coating industry; Deterioration process; Elongation at break; Flame retardancy; Flammable gas; Polymer composite; Thermal characteristics; Uniform distribution, Smoke %N 2