A study of the effects of different binders and fillers on the properties of flame retardant paints

Abstract

PurposeTo improve the efficiency of flame retardant paints for wood by using different fillers and thermoplastic and thermosetting binders.Design/methodology/approachFor effective flame retardancy, various paint compositions were made by incorporating different binders and fillers. The physical and mechanical properties, of the paint films, storage stability, limited oxygen index (LOI) and differential thermal analysis were investigated.FindingsDiammonium hydrogen orthophosphate has all the characteristics required to be used as flame retardant filler for paint, in contrary to magnesium hydroxide, Mg(OH)2, which has undesired effect on the storage stability of paints based on alkyd resin. The values of LOI depend on the type and composition of the binder.Research limitations/implicationsThe flame retardancy of the prepared paints could also be evaluated using more conventional methods such as oxygen index test.Practical implicationsSpecial fillers and binders that could be used in highly efficient flame retardant paint for wood have been identified.Originality/valueThe fillers are non‐toxic. Different fillers obtained could be used in various thermosetting binders beside thermoplastic ones.