Abstract
The effect of six halogen-free flame retardant (FR) formulations was investigated on the thermal stability of two low-density polyethylenes (LDPE) and one linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), by means of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) under nitrogen and air atmosphere. The relative data were combined with flammability properties and the overall performance of the FRs was correlated with the type of branching in the polyethylene grades and to their processing behavior. The thermal degradation kinetics was further determined based on the Kissinger and Coats-Redfern methods. In terms of flammability, the addition of a triazine derivative and ammonium polyphosphate at a loading of 35 wt. %. was found to be the most efficient, leading to UL 94 V0 ranking in the case of the LDPE grade produced in an autoclave reactor.
Highlights
Polyethylenes (PEs) are the most widely used commodity polymers with a high potential of value-adding via proper formulation development
Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is a common technique to evaluate the thermal stability of various polymers giving information on weight loss, but no chemical information [17,18]
The thermal decomposition profiles of the pure components and of the flame retardant (FR)-containing compounds were examined at a heating rate of 10 ◦ C min−1 under air and nitrogen atmospheres, and the relevant data correlated with the flammability properties (UL94 V results)
Summary
Polyethylenes (PEs) are the most widely used commodity polymers with a high potential of value-adding via proper formulation development. Increasing amounts of PEs are nowadays used in electrical appliances, wires and cables, building pipes, roofing, etc., because of their mechanical durability, good chemical resistance, low density, no toxicity, good electrical insulation and excellent processability [1]. The relevant applications need to be flame retarded in order to comply with stringent fire safety standards of the finished products. To improve the flame resistance, halogen-containing flame retardants (HFRs), such as various brominated FRs (decabromodiphenyl ether, tetrabromobisphenol A, tris(tribromoneopentyl) phosphate) are mainly used in combination with antimony oxide [2,3]. HFRs present significant disadvantages, namely corrosion of the equipment during processing, production of toxic gases and smoke in the case of fire as well as environmental challenges
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