Abstract
Due to growing restrictions on the use of halogenated flame retardant compounds, there is great research interest in the development of fillers that do not emit toxic compounds during thermal decomposition. Polymeric composite materials with reduced flammability are increasingly in demand. Here, we demonstrate that unmodified graphene and carbon nanotubes as well as basalt fibers or flakes can act as effective flame retardants in polymer composites. We also investigate the effects of mixtures of these carbon and mineral fillers on the thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties of EPDM rubber composites. The thermal properties of the EPDM vulcanizates were analyzed using the thermogravimetric method. Flammability was determined by pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetry (PCFC) and cone calorimetry.
Highlights
Gabriele MilaniThe number of fatalities resulting from fires has been rising steadily since 1950
This paper presents a comprehensive study of the impact of adding carbon fillers in examined the rheological, mechanical, and thermal properties as well as the flammability the form of carbon nanotubes or graphene, or basalt filler in the form of cut basalt fibers or of the EPDM rubber composites
We investigated the thermal and mechanical properties as well as flammability of EPDM composites containing carbon fillers and basalt fillers
Summary
The number of fatalities resulting from fires has been rising steadily since 1950 This is due mainly to the increasing use in construction of materials containing chemical compounds in the form of adhesives, auxiliary agents, and, above all, plastics, to replace conventional materials such as wood and steel [1,2,3,4]. These modern construction materials burn faster and hotter, and produce more smoke, making fires more hazardous. Reducing the flammability of polymers requires a thorough knowledge of the reaction mechanisms that occur during the thermal decomposition of flame-retardant composites. The degradation and eventual destruction of the polymer may occur according to the following reaction mechanisms [7]: Received: 20 June 2021
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