A Novel Intumescent Flame Retardant: Synthesis and Its Application for Linear Low-Density Polyethylene

Abstract

A novel intumescent flame retardant, melamine salt of pentaerythritol phosphate montmorillonite (MPPM), was synthesized and characterized by \(^{1}\)H NMR, FTIR, and XRD. Its effect on the thermal stability and flammability properties of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) was investigated. The thermogravimetric analysis data exhibited that MPPM enhanced the char formation and the thermal stability of LLDPE at high temperatures. The cone calorimeter results showed that addition of MPPM to LLDPE reduced greatly the peak of heat release rate, total heat release, mean mass loss rate, and fire growth rate index in all LLDPE composites. Moreover, MPPM increased the fire performance index of LLDPE and led to achieve V-0 rating in UL-94V test. The morphology, FTIR, and EDXS analysis for char residue after cone colorimeter test showed the formation of thermally stable char containing Al, Si, –\(\hbox {CH}_{2}\)–, P–O, P–O–C, C–N, and C=N. This meant that MPPM was efficient in reducing the fire hazardous of LLDPE.