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Effects of an (Intumescent flame retardant)‐montmorillonite combination on the thermal stability and fire‐retardant properties of LDPE/EVA nanocomposites
Author(s) -
Chen Suqing,
Sun Baishen,
Huang Guobo,
Guo Haichang,
Wang Shuqu
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of vinyl and additive technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.295
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1548-0585
pISSN - 1083-5601
DOI - 10.1002/vnl.21323
Subject(s) - cone calorimeter , intumescent , low density polyethylene , materials science , montmorillonite , fire retardant , thermogravimetric analysis , nanocomposite , thermal stability , char , pentaerythritol , composite material , flammability , polyethylene , organoclay , chemical engineering , combustion , organic chemistry , chemistry , engineering
The combined effects of an organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) and an intumescent flame retardant, poly (piperazine spirocyclic pentaerythritol bisphosphonate) (PPSPB), in (low‐density polyethylene)/[ethylene‐(vinyl acetate) copolymer] (LDPE/EVA) nanocomposites were observed. The results from X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies showed that exfoliated LDPE/EVA/PPSPB/OMMT nanocomposites were formed. Thermal stability and flammability properties were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and cone calorimeter tests. The combination of PPSPB and montmorillonite improved thermal stability and reduced significantly the flammability, including peak heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release, average mass loss rate, etc. The PHRR of LDPE/EVA/PPSPB/OMMT was reduced by about 50% compared to that of an LDPE/EVA blend. The morphology and composition of the residues generated by cone calorimeter tests were investigated by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis. The results of SEM showed that a compact and dense intumescent char was formed from the LDPE/EVA/PPSPB/OMMT nanocomposite upon combustion. The results of EDX examination revealed that the carbon content of this char was increased significantly by the combined effect of PPSPB and montmorillonite. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 19:285–292, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers