Inorganic flame retardants’ efficacy of Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide in the combustion rate of intermediate Calamagrostis from Ecuador’ Moorlands

Abstract

In this research, intermediate calamagrostis vegetal fiber (FIC) combined samples were carried out in combination with polyester resin (RP), Aluminum Hydroxide (HA) and Magnesium Hydroxide (MH). The aim of this study is to determine inorganic flame-retardant effectiveness in the intermediate calamagrostis’ combustion rate reduction from Ecuador’s moorlands and possible forest fires’ control of this endemic plant species. The flammability index was obtained following the ISO 3795 standard; In addition, the contamination degree: Carbon Monoxide (CO) was determined, following the standard EPA 40 CFR, method 60 Annex A. The composite material was evaluated in a horizontal flammability chamber. Furthermore, the experimental design considered seven tests, one control and two flame retardants’ types. Aluminium Hydroxide and Magnesium Hydroxide accounted for three different concentrations at 3%, 6% and 9% percent each one. Thus, these flame retardants’ effectiveness was greater for Aluminium Hydroxides at all the proposed concentrations, while for Magnesium Hydroxide; its effectiveness was positive for a concentration of 9% only. The study determines that the best combination of materials are: 70% FIC, 21% PR, 9% HA, resulting in a combustion rate of 190.98 mm / min and self-extinguishing capacity. Finally, an average decrease of 50% in the generation of CO and the amount of smoke was determined.