Abstract
Ceramifiable polymer composite is an excellent method for enhancing the flame retardancy of the materials. In case of fire, ceramifiable polymer composites are converted into a ceramic barrier that can impede heat transfer, segregate combustible material from oxygen and prevent the polymer matrix from pyrolysis. The ceramic fillers added to the composites play a key role in the ceramic forming process of the composites. Here, the effects of three types of Si-based mineral fillers on the ceramifiable and mechanical properties of polyethylene composites were investigated. Wollastonite (CaSiO3), silica powder (SiO2), or pyrophyllite (Al2Si4O10(OH)2) was incorporated into low-density polyethylene with glass powder to prepare the composite materials. The composites were subjected to sintering at various temperatures (600, 800, and 1000 °C). The ceramic residues formed were characterized by flexural strength, apparent porosity, linear shrinkage, and thermogravimetric measurements. All these three fillers greatly enhanced the ceramifiable properties of the polyethylene composites and the mechanical properties of the ceramic residues. X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy reveal that the filler molecules were firmly connected by the molten glass while the pores in the ceramic residues were released at elevated temperatures, leading to a dense ceramic structure with excellent mechanical properties.
Published Version
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