Abstract
The flame retardant synergism between highly stretched polymer fibres and intumescent flame retardant systems was investigated in self-reinforced polypropylene composites. It was found that the structure of reinforcement, such as degree of molecular orientation, fibre alignment and weave type, has a particular effect on the fire performance of the intumescent system. As little as 7.2 wt % additive content, one third of the amount needed in non-reinforced polypropylene matrix, was sufficient to reach a UL-94 V-0 rating. The best result was found in self-reinforced polypropylene composites reinforced with unidirectional fibres. In addition to the fire retardant performance, the mechanical properties were also evaluated. The maximum was found at optimal consolidation temperature, while the flame retardant additive in the matrix did not influence the mechanical performance up to the investigated 13 wt % concentration.
Highlights
Self-reinforced composites (SRCs) are a relatively new family of composite materials in which the polymer matrix is reinforced with highly oriented polymer fibres or tapes, both derived from the same polymer type [1]
PP composites with fairly low additive contents was investigated
Three types of PP reinforcing structures, quasi-unidirectional fabrics, cross-ply alignment of quasi-unidirectional fabrics and plain-woven fabrics were layered between flame-retardant additive containing matrix layers with the aim of investigating the effect of reinforcing structures on the flame retardant performance of self-reinforced composites
Summary
Self-reinforced composites (SRCs) are a relatively new family of composite materials in which the polymer matrix is reinforced with highly oriented polymer fibres or tapes, both derived from the same polymer type [1]. As a result of molecular orientation during spinning and drawing, high-performance polymer fibres can be achieved [2] serving as suitable reinforcements in the structurally similar polymer matrix. The self-reinforced composites, made entirely of highly flammable polymeric components, have found applications in various fields where fire retardancy is a high priority, but until recently no solutions were published for their flame retardation. Intumescent flame retardants (IFRs) are of general application in polymers, in in polyolefins, and more recently in their fibre-reinforced composites as well. It was proposed by researchers that fibres, depending on their type and chemical structure, may interact with intumescent
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