Abstract
AbstractVarious combinations of zinc borate (ZB), alumina trihydrate (ATH) and magnesium hydroxide (MH) were used to retard the flammability of PVC composite. Flame retardancy of samples were investigated with limiting oxygen index (LOI) test. Further testing was achieved to expose the individual and synergistic effects of flame retardant additives on heat stability, Vicat softening temperature, fusion time, microstructure, mechanical and thermal characteristics. Microstructural and thermal analyses were performed by scanning electron microscopy and TG/DTA respectively. The LOI results showed that, high levels of ZB-ATH combination provided the highest LOI value of 53.4%. Although ZB and its combinations improved the fire performances of composites, they caused a small reduction at tensile strengths. When compared with plain PVC, flame retardant composites had better thermal stability. In addition to the advantages of ZB, when test results were evaluated with a holistic approach ZB-ATH-MH combination was understood to be an effective flame retardant alternative with this research.
Highlights
Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is a widely used polymer especially in electrical and communication cables as a covering insulation and in domestic uses such as in window frames, doors, gutters, and house sidings
3.1 Characterization of PVC composites based on flame retardancy
With the Limiting Oxygen Index test results, characterization of PVC composites were achieved in terms of flame retardancy
Summary
Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is a widely used polymer especially in electrical and communication cables as a covering insulation and in domestic uses such as in window frames, doors, gutters, and house sidings It has a high level of combustion resistance on the other hand, PVC is not a safe-material because of smoke and toxic. The elements which are interrelated to flame-retardancy of polymers are boron, aluminium, phosphorus, antimony, chlorine and bromine [3] The usage of these elements in polymers may remarkably affect the thermal, mechanical and electrical properties of the mixture [3,4]. Commercial PVC formulations comprise more than 6 different additives the flame retardance of PVC composite is a complex issue and, here it was aimed to balance physical properties, thermal stability and flammability. ASTM D2863 standard test method [13] was used for determining LOI value of PVC composites possessing different amounts and combinations of flame retardants
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