Preparation of Mg(OH)2-Melamine Core-Shell Particle and Its Flame Retardant Property

Abstract

Magnesium hydroxide-melamine core-shell particles were prepared through the coating of melamine monomer on the surface of magnesium hydroxide in the presence of phosphoric acid. The melamine monomer was dissolved in hot water but recrystallized on the surface of magnesium hydroxide by quenching to room temperature in the presence of phosphoric acid. The core-shell particle was applied to low-density polyethylene/ ethylene vinyl acetate (LDPE/EVA) resin by melt-compounding at <TEX>$180^{\circ}C$</TEX> as flame retardant. The effect of magnesium hydroxide and melamine content has been studied on the flame retardancy of the core-shell particles in LDPE/EVA resin according to the preparation process and purity of magnesium hydroxide. Magnesium hydroxide prepared with sodium hydroxide rather than with ammonia solution revealed higher flame retardancy in core-shell particles with LDPE/EVA resin. At 50 wt% loading of flame retardant, core-shell particles revealed higher flame retardancy compared to that of the exclusive magnesium hydroxide in LDPE/EVA composite, and it was possible to satisfy the V0 grade in the UL-94 vertical test. The synergistic flame retardant effect of magnesium hydroxide and melamine core-shell particles was explained as being due to the endothermic decomposition of magnesium hydroxide and melamine, which was followed by the evolution of water from the magnesium hydroxide and porous char formation due to reactive nitrogen compounds, and carbon dioxide generated from melamine.