Effect of reactive and nonreactive surface modifications and compatibilizer use on mechanical and flame-retardant properties of linear low-density polyethylene filled with huntite and hydromagnesite mineral

Abstract

In the current study, huntite and hydromagnesite (HH) was used as flame-retardant additive in linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). The effect of HH amount on the flame-retardant and mechanical properties of the composites was investigated. The compatibilizer (ethylene butyl acrylate) use and the surface modifications with stearic acid and silane coupling agent were used in order to improve the mechanical properties of the composites. The mechanical properties of the composites were studied using tensile test and dynamic mechanical analysis. The fire-retardant properties of the composites were investigated using limiting oxygen index (LOI), mass loss calorimeter, vertical (UL 94 V) and horizontal (UL 94 HB) burning tests. According to the flammability test results, LOI value increased, horizontal burning rate reduced as the added amount of HH increased, whereas UL 94 V rating remained burn to clamp. According to the mechanical test results, the addition of HH reduced the tensile strength and elongation at break values and increased the elastic modulus and the β transition temperature of the LLDPE as the added amount increased. Only the compatibilizer use improved the flammability properties of the composites with improved tensile strength. Both stearic acid and silane modification merely increased the toughness of the composites.