Polymers and Polymer Composites

EFFECT OF ALUMINA TRIHYDRATE AND BORAX ON FIRE RETARDANCY AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (HDPE) COMPOUNDS

February 1, 2010 By: Faghihi J; Morshedian J; Ahmadi S Research article

Title: EFFECT OF ALUMINA TRIHYDRATE AND BORAX ON FIRE RETARDANCY AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (HDPE) COMPOUNDS
Page Range: p.113-122
Author(s): Faghihi J; Morshedian J; Ahmadi S
File size: 458K
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Journal: Polymers and Polymer Composites
Issue Year: ppc
Volume: 18
Issue No: No.2

Abstract
The influence of inorganic flame retardants, including alumina trihydrate (ATH) and borax, on the mechanical properties and flammability of HDPE was studied. Results showed that an increase in the amount of flame retardant compounds caused a decrease in TS, ultimate strain and impact resistance. Use of EVA caused an increase in impact resistance compared with other compositions without EVA. Flammability test results showed an improvement in flame retardancy due to using ATH and borax. Composite containing EVA and borax showed better flammability properties compared with composite containing EVA and ATH because EVA as a compatibiliser could increase the stability of the borate component and form a glassy layer on the char, which resulted in an enhancement in the flammability properties. Furthermore, a synergistic effect was observed when ATH and borax were incorporated together. The charred layers provided a good thermal and flame barrier. Morphological, rheological and thermogravimetric analyses supported the idea that the improvement in the flame retardancy was due to charred layers formed by the ignition of inorganic flame retardant and polymeric matrix. 21 refs.


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