Abstract
In this study, multicomponent flame retardant systems, consisting of ammonium polyphosphate (APP), aluminum trihydroxide (ATH), and polyaniline (PANI), were used in ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber. The multicomponent system was designed to improve flame retardancy and the mechanical properties of the rubber compounds, while simultaneously reducing the amount of filler. PANI was applied at low loadings (7 phr) and combined with the phosphorous APP (21 phr) and the mineral flame retardant ATH (50 phr). A comprehensive study of six EPDM rubbers was carried out by systematically varying the fillers to explain the impact of multicomponent flame retardant systems on mechanical properties. The six EPDM materials were investigated via the UL 94, limiting oxygen index (LOI), FMVSS 302, glow wire tests, and the cone calorimeter, showing that multicomponent flame retardant systems led to improved fire performance. In cone calorimeter tests the EPDM/APP/ATH/PANI composite reduced the maximum average rate of heat emission (MARHE) to 142 kW·m−2, a value 50% lower than that for the unfilled EPDM rubber. Furthermore, the amount of phosphorus in the residues was quantified and the mode of action of the phosphorous flame retardant APP was explained. The data from the cone calorimeter were used to determine the protective layer effect of the multicomponent flame retardant systems in the EPDM compounds.
Highlights
Ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) is a terpolymer, consisting of a saturated backbone with unsaturated side chains
This study investigated multicomponent EPDM rubbers by systematically varying the flame retardants ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and aluminum trihydroxide (ATH), and the addition of the nitrogenous synergist PANI
The addition of the synergist PANI in the composite EPDM/APP/ATH/PANI showed that the addition of PANI improved mechanical properties, i.e., elongation at break, Young’s modulus, and tensile strength
Summary
Ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) is a terpolymer, consisting of a saturated backbone with unsaturated side chains. Due to its unique properties, EPDM is the most widely used synthetic rubber for non-tire applications. It is used in many fields including construction, electrical insulation, and the automotive industry [1,2]. EPDM rubbers offer usability at low temperatures, excellent weather and chemical resistance, as well as a low dielectric constant [3]. Unlike saturated ethylene propylene monomer (EPM) rubber, EPDM rubbers are vulcanized with peroxides, forming. Vulcanization with sulfur produces superior dynamical and mechanical properties
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