Abstract: In this paper, zinc ferrite nanorods (R-ZFO) were prepared by a microemulsion method, and their microstructure were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated that the synthesized R-ZFO had a particle size of approximately 200 nm and a length of 1~10 μm. Afterward, epoxy resin/R-ZFO composites were prepared and their flame-retardant properties and thermal stability were investigated by limiting oxygen index (LOI), cone calorimeter and thermogravimetric analysis. The results demonstrated that LOI of epoxy resin was improved to 28.3 % by incorporating 3 wt % R-ZFO, its initial decomposition temperature increased up to 48.8 ℃, and the peak heat release rate decreased by 34.16 %. These results suggested an enhanced thermal stability and good flame-retardant performance of epoxy resin/R-ZFO nanocomposites.