• Borucka, Monika
• Mizera, Kamila
• Ryszkowska, Joanna
• Celiński, Maciej
• Sałasińska, Kamila
• Leszczyńska, Milena
• Zatorski, Wojciech
• Gajek, Agnieszka

Abstract

The synergism between nanoparticles and different kinds of halogen-free fire retardantsleading to reduction in flammability and smoke generation of polyethylene wasinvestigated. The composites were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis, oxygenindex test, cone calorimeter measurements, and a single-chambertest. Moreover, the semi volatile and volatile compounds evolved in the thermal degradation processes of polyethylene were determined using a steady state tube furnace and gas chromatograph with mass spectrometer. Morphological and structural characteristics as wellas thermomechanical properties of the composites were characterized using varioustechniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD),and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The obtained data were comparedto the results received for polyethylene and polymer with bromine-containingfire retardants. The incorporation of nanofillers and halogen-freefire retardants caused a reduction in combustibility as a consequence of the formation of char. Furthermore, the presence of nanoparticles has a beneficial effect on the inhibition ofdripping. The polyethylene with carbon nanotubes, zinc borate, and aluminum hydroxideexhibited better combined properties of fire behavior and production of nontoxicsmoke compared to the remaining composition and reference materials.

Topics

• nanoparticle
• nanocomposite
• compound
• polymer
• Carbon
• scanning electron microscopy
• x-ray diffraction
• nanotube
• aluminium
• zinc
• thermogravimetry
• flammability