The effect of flame retardant-modified sepiolite nanofibers on thermal degradation and fire retardancy of low-density polyethylene

Abstract

Flame retardant-modified sepiolite nanofiber (PSPHD-SEP) was fabricated through chemical grafting by introducing intumescent flame retardant oligomer (PSPHD) onto the surface of sepiolite fiber. Various sepiolite/low-density polyethylene (SEP/LDPE) composites have been prepared successfully via melt blending. The dispersion of various SEPs in LDPE matrix was observed by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. The thermal degradation behaviors of various SEP/LDPE composites with 3 mass% acid-modified sepiolite fiber (a-SEP) or PSPHD-SEP have been investigated employing thermogravimetric analysis/derivative thermogravimetry. The thermal degradation kinetics of neat LDPE, a-SEP/LDPE and PSPHD-SEP/LDPE systems was comparatively analyzed by means of Friedman and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa methods to further comprehend the effect of a-SEP and PSPHD-SEP on the thermal stability of LDPE. Due to the addition of PSPHD-SEP, the limiting oxygen index value of PSPHD-SEP/LDPE composite can reach 21.3%, and the UL-94V-2 rating is obtained. The cone calorimetry (CONE) tests showed that a reduced peak heat release rate can be achieved for PSPHD-SEP/LDPE composite accompanying with gas-phase fire retardant action.