Ceramifying Fire-Resistant Polyethylene Composites

Abstract

Glass fillers were added into polyethylene (PE) with the aim to prepare fire-resistant PE composites. The effect of glass additives on ceramification of the composites and the properties of ceramic residue was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that there was a stronger interaction between glass fibres than that between glass powders. A torque rheometer was used to explore the rheological behaviour. It was concluded that expansion of composites was driven by the motion of low molecular weight substances such as water, carbon dioxide pyrolysed during heat treatment, while softened inorganic additives shrank at elevated temperature resulted in shrinkage of composites. The effect of the form and softening point of glass additives on waterproofness and thermal shock resistance of residue was investigated. The results showed that the composition significantly affected the compactness of residue. Thermal shock resistance of residues of each composite was good. Combustion tests showed that flame retardance and anti-dripping of the composites should be improved.