Filtern
Erscheinungsjahr
Dokumenttyp
- Zeitschriftenartikel (217)
- Vortrag (115)
- Beitrag zu einem Tagungsband (29)
- Beitrag zu einem Sammelband (18)
- Buchkapitel (10)
- Posterpräsentation (6)
- Monografie (2)
- Forschungsbericht (1)
Sprache
- Englisch (322)
- Deutsch (73)
- Mehrsprachig (3)
Schlagworte
- Flame retardancy (69)
- Flame retardant (40)
- Flammability (34)
- Fire retardancy (29)
- Cone calorimeter (28)
- Nanocomposites (27)
- Epoxy resin (24)
- Flame retardance (23)
- Pyrolysis (23)
- Graphene (21)
- Nanocomposite (21)
- Composites (16)
- Cone Calorimeter (14)
- Intumescence (14)
- Rubber (14)
- Synergy (14)
- Fire resistance (12)
- DOPO (11)
- Flame retardants (11)
- Flammschutz (11)
- PC/ABS (11)
- TG-FTIR (11)
- UL 94 (11)
- Durability (9)
- Fire stability (9)
- Weathering (9)
- Fire behaviour (8)
- LOI (8)
- Polypropylene (8)
- Aryl phosphate (7)
- Charring (7)
- Fire testing (7)
- Polyurethane (7)
- Aluminium phosphinate (6)
- Dripping (6)
- Expandable graphite (6)
- Flame inhibition (6)
- Flexible polyurethane foam (6)
- Phosphorus (6)
- Red Phosphorus (6)
- Cone calorimetry (5)
- Decomposition (5)
- Fire behavior (5)
- Fire protection (5)
- Fire retardant (5)
- Mechanical properties (5)
- Modes of action (5)
- Organoclay (5)
- Phosphinate (5)
- Pyrolyse (5)
- Rapid mass calorimeter (5)
- Red phosphorus (5)
- Solid-state NMR (5)
- Aluminum diethylphosphinate (4)
- Ammonium polyphosphate (4)
- Biocomposite (4)
- Cable (4)
- Clay (4)
- Coating (4)
- Composites in fire (4)
- Computed tomography (4)
- Fully developed fire (4)
- Hyperbranched (4)
- Intumescent coatings (4)
- Layered silicate (4)
- Low-melting glass (4)
- Magnesium hydroxide (4)
- Multilayer graphene (4)
- PA 66 (4)
- Poly(butylene terephthalate) (4)
- Polyester (4)
- Polyesters (4)
- Polyurethan (4)
- Reinforcement (4)
- Renewable (4)
- Rheology (4)
- Synthesis (4)
- TGA-FTIR (4)
- Thermogravimetric analysis (4)
- Thermosets (4)
- Zinc borate (4)
- Aluminium diethylphosphinate (3)
- Aluminum hydroxide (ATH) (3)
- BDP (3)
- Cables (3)
- Calorimetry (3)
- Chemiluminescence (3)
- Combustion (3)
- Composite (3)
- Degradation (3)
- EPDM (3)
- EVA (3)
- Elastomer (3)
- Fire Retardancy (3)
- Fire residue (3)
- Flame Retardancy (3)
- Foam (3)
- Foams (3)
- HIPS (3)
- High-temperature properties (3)
- Ignition (3)
- Melt dripping (3)
- Metal oxide (3)
- Metal phosphinate (3)
- PBT (3)
- Polyamide 6.6 (3)
- Polycarbonate blends (3)
- Protective layer (3)
- Reaktive Brandschutzsysteme (3)
- Schaum (3)
- Sustainable (3)
- TG-MS (3)
- TPU (3)
- Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) (3)
- UL94 (3)
- Vitrimer (3)
- Adjuvants (2)
- Alterung (2)
- Anaerobic digestion (2)
- Aryl phosphates (2)
- Arylphosphates (2)
- Bench scale fire testing (2)
- Bench-scale fire testing (2)
- Bio-composite (2)
- Biomaterials (2)
- Blends (2)
- Boehmite (2)
- Brandschutz (2)
- Brandverhalten (2)
- Brandversuche (2)
- Burning behavior (2)
- Carbon fibre reinforced composite (2)
- Carbon fibre reinforced composites (2)
- Char (2)
- Circular economy (2)
- Dauerhaftigkeit (2)
- Dispersion (2)
- Elastomers (2)
- Epoxy (2)
- Ethylene-vinyl acetate (2)
- Fillers (2)
- Fire retardance (2)
- Fire simulation (2)
- Flame Retardants (2)
- Flame retardancy mechanism (2)
- Flame retardant mode of action (2)
- Flame retardant modes of action (2)
- Fracture toughness (2)
- Halogen-free (2)
- Heat release (2)
- Heat shielding (2)
- High performance polymers (2)
- High throughput (2)
- Mechanisms (2)
- Melamine cyanurate (2)
- Melamine polyphosphate (2)
- Melt flow (2)
- Mg(OH)2 (2)
- Nanofibers (2)
- Natural rubber (2)
- Numerical analysis (2)
- Oxidation (2)
- PC (2)
- PFEM (2)
- PLA (2)
- Particle finite element method (PFEM) (2)
- Phosphate (2)
- Phosphine oxide (2)
- Phosphorylated lignin (2)
- Poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) (2)
- Polyaniline (2)
- Polycarbonate (PC) blends (2)
- Polyurethane foam (2)
- Prepregs (2)
- SEBS (2)
- Sandwich panels (2)
- Shielding effect (2)
- Simulation (2)
- Smoke (2)
- Smoke suppression (2)
- Stability (2)
- Sustainability (2)
- Thermal analysis (2)
- Thermal stability (2)
- Thermally treated sludge (2)
- Thermoplastic elastomers (2)
- Thermoplastic polyurethane (2)
- Wastewater flame retardants (2)
- Weathering resistance (2)
- Zink phytate (2)
- 29Si NMR (1)
- 2D nanoparticle (1)
- 9, 10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (1)
- 9,10-Dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO) (1)
- 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide; DOPO (1)
- A. Fibres (1)
- A. Layered structures (1)
- ATH (1)
- Absorption in depth (1)
- Acetylation (1)
- Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (1)
- Acrylphosphate (1)
- Additives (1)
- Adhesives (1)
- Adjuvant (1)
- Ageing (1)
- Aliphatic biopolyesters (1)
- Aliphatic polyester (1)
- Aluminium hydroxide (1)
- Aluminium trihydroxide (1)
- Aluminum diethyl phosphinate (1)
- Aluminum trihydroxide (ATH) (1)
- Ammonium Polyphosphate (1)
- Amonium polyphosphate (1)
- Anisotropy (1)
- Antimony trioxide (1)
- Antioxydant (1)
- Aromatic (1)
- Aromatics (1)
- Aryl Phosphate (1)
- Asphalt (1)
- Bench-scale (1)
- Bench-scale Fire Resistance Test (1)
- Bench-scale fire resistance (1)
- Bench-scale fire resistance tests (1)
- Bench-scale fire test (1)
- Bench‐scale fire testing (1)
- Bio-based (1)
- Bio-filler (1)
- Bio-flame retardant (1)
- Bio-polymer (1)
- Biocomposites (1)
- Biodegradable (1)
- Biodegradation (1)
- Biofuel (1)
- Biogenic (1)
- Biopolymer (1)
- Biopolymerkomposite (1)
- Biopolymers (1)
- Biorefinery (1)
- Biosomposites (1)
- Bis([dimethoxyphosphoryl]methyl) phenyl phosphate (1)
- Bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate) (BDP) (1)
- Bisphenol A bis(diphenyl)phosphate (BDP) (1)
- Bisphenol A polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS) (1)
- Bisphenol A polycarbonate/acrylonitrilebutadienestyrene (PC/ABS) (1)
- Bisphenol-A bis(diphenyl)phosphate (BDP) (1)
- Brandtest (1)
- Brandtests (1)
- Buckling (1)
- Cable bundle (1)
- Cables in fire (1)
- Calcium hypophosphite (1)
- Carbon Nanotubes (1)
- Carbon black (1)
- Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) (1)
- Carbon fibre (1)
- Carbon fibre reinforced (1)
- Carbon fibre reinforced plastics CFRP (1)
- Carbon fibre reinforced polymer (1)
- Carbon fibres (1)
- Carbon filler (1)
- Carbon multiwall nanotube (MWNT) (1)
- Carbon nanomaterial (1)
- Carbon nanomaterials (1)
- Carbon nanoparticle (1)
- Carbon nanoparticles (1)
- Carbon nanotubes (1)
- Carbon-fibre-reinforced (1)
- Carbon-fibre-reinforced plastics (1)
- Carbonization (1)
- Cationic polymerisation (1)
- Ceepree (1)
- Charring Agent (1)
- Chemical vapor deposition (1)
- Chemilumineszenz (1)
- Chlorbutylkautschuk (1)
- Coatings (1)
- Coconut fiber (1)
- Composite and fire (1)
- Composite in Fire (1)
- Composite in fire (1)
- Composite materials (1)
- Concentration dependency (1)
- Conductivity (1)
- Cone Caorimeter (1)
- Cone claorimeter (1)
- Conjugated polymer (1)
- Construction products regulation (1)
- Core materials (1)
- Crosslinking (1)
- D. Mechanical testing (1)
- D. Thermal analysis (1)
- DGEBA (1)
- DMDHEU (1)
- DOPO derivative salts (1)
- Dark fermentation (1)
- Decompositiion pathways (1)
- Dendrimers (1)
- Dendritic (1)
- Developing fire (1)
- Dibenzo[d,f][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepine 6-oxide (1)
- Dibenzo[d,f][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepine 6-oxide; BPPO (1)
- Dielectric relaxation spectroscopy (1)
- Dielectric spectroscopy (1)
- Diethylaluminium phosphinate (1)
- Difunctionalized [2.2]paracyclophanes (1)
- Diphenylethylenderivate (1)
- Dripping Agent (1)
- Dripping agent (1)
- Dripping behavior (1)
- Elastomere (1)
- Electrospinning (1)
- Elektrotechnik (1)
- Entflammbarkeit (1)
- Enzymatic degradation (1)
- Epoxide (1)
- Epoxies (1)
- Epoxy Resins (1)
- Epoxy resin (RTM6) (1)
- Epoxy resins (1)
- Ethyl (diethoxymethyl)phosphinate derivatives (1)
- Exfoliation (1)
- Expandable Graphite (1)
- Expandierbarer Graphit (1)
- Extrusion (1)
- FDS (1)
- Feuerwiderstand (1)
- Fibers (1)
- Fibre reinforced polymers (1)
- Fibres (1)
- Filler (1)
- Fire Retardant (1)
- Fire Stability (1)
- Fire dynamics simulator (FDS) (1)
- Fire growth indices (1)
- Fire load (1)
- Fire property (1)
- Fire property assessment (1)
- Fire protective coating (1)
- Fire protective coatings (1)
- Fire resistance testing (1)
- Fire retardant interlayers (1)
- Fire spread (1)
- Fire stabiliy (1)
- Fire test (1)
- Flame retardancy concepts (1)
- Flame retardant; (1)
- Flame retarded composites (1)
- Flame retarded polymers (1)
- Flame spread (1)
- Flame-retardant biocomposites (1)
- Flammschutz von Polymeren (1)
- Flammschutz, Witterungsbeständigkeit, Langzeitbeständigkeit, UV, E&E (1)
- Flammschutzmittel (1)
- Flax (1)
- Flexible PU foam (1)
- Foam mattress (1)
- Fracture (1)
- Fuel dilution (1)
- Gas Barrier Properties (1)
- Geopolymers (1)
- Glass fiber-reinforced composites (1)
- Glass fibre (1)
- Glass transition (1)
- Glass-fiber-composites (1)
- Glass-fibre composite (1)
- Glass-fibre-reinforced plastics (1)
- Gorham process (1)
- Graphen (1)
- Halogen free (1)
- Halogen-free flame retardant (1)
- Halogen‐free (1)
- Heat of combustion (1)
- Heat release rate (1)
- Heating curves (1)
- High heat resistance (1)
- High throughput screening (1)
- High-Throughput Fire Tests (1)
- Holz-Kunststoff-Verbundwerkstoffe (1)
- Homogene Mischbarkeit (1)
- Hydroliquefaction (1)
- Hyperbranched polymer (1)
- Hyperbranched polymers (1)
- IR mirror (1)
- Industrial waste (1)
- Industrial-waste fibres (1)
- Inorganic fillers (1)
- Insects (1)
- Interaction (1)
- Intermediate-scale test method (1)
- Intumescent additives (1)
- Intumescent coating (1)
- Intumescent coating materials (1)
- Intumescent flame retardant (1)
- Klebebänder (1)
- Laminate design (1)
- Laminates (1)
- Langzeitstabilität (1)
- Leather (1)
- Leather fibers (1)
- Leather waste (1)
- Lightweight materials (1)
- Lignin (1)
- Ligning (1)
- Liquid crystal (1)
- Liquid-cristalline conjugated Polymer (1)
- Low melting glasses (1)
- Low oxygen index (1)
- MCC (1)
- Macroalgae (1)
- Mass loss calorimeter (1)
- Masterbatch (1)
- Mechanical testing (1)
- Mechanics (1)
- Mechanism (1)
- Mechanistic study (1)
- Melamine Polyphosphate (1)
- Melamine borate (1)
- Melamine poly(magnesium phosphate) (1)
- Melamine poly(metal phosphate) (1)
- Metal oxide nanocomposite (1)
- Metathesis (1)
- Michaelis-Arbuzov rearrangement (1)
- Micro-computed tomography (1)
- Microalgae culture (1)
- Microplastic (1)
- Miscibility (1)
- Mode of Action (1)
- Mode of action (1)
- Molecular Reinforcement (1)
- Molecular mobility (1)
- Montmorillonites (1)
- Morphology (1)
- Morphology analysis (1)
- MuFu+ (1)
- Multicomponent systems (1)
- Multikomponentensysteme (1)
- Multiwall carbon nanotubes (1)
- NMR (1)
- Nachhaltigkeit (1)
- Nachwachsende Rohstoffe (1)
- Nano structures (1)
- Nanoclays (1)
- Nanokomposite (1)
- Nanoparticles (1)
- Nanotechnology (1)
- Nanotubes (1)
- Natural (1)
- Natural fibre (1)
- Natural fibres (1)
- Network (1)
- Optical cables (1)
- Organic-inorganic polymer (1)
- Organo-phosphorus compounds (1)
- Organophosphonate (1)
- Organophosphorus-containing epoxy resin (1)
- Outdoor (1)
- Oxygen index (1)
- PC blend (1)
- PDMS (1)
- PMMA (1)
- PP/Flax Biocomposite (1)
- PUR Hardschaum (1)
- PUR Weichschaum (1)
- PVC (1)
- Particle Finite Element Modelling (1)
- Particle finite element method (1)
- Partikel (1)
- Pentaerythritol (1)
- Phospha-Michael addition (1)
- Phosphate esters (1)
- Phosphinates (1)
- Phosphoester (1)
- Phosphonate (1)
- Phosphoramide (1)
- Phosphorous flame retardant (1)
- Phosphorous flame retardants (1)
- Phosphorous soybean-oil–based polyol (1)
- Phosphorus flame retardant (1)
- Phosphorus flame retardants (1)
- Phosphorus polymer (1)
- Phosphorus-containing flame retardant (1)
- Phosphorus-modified polysulfone (1)
- Phosphorylated Algae (1)
- Phosphorylated algae (1)
- Physical vapour deposition (PVD) (1)
- Plasma polymerization (1)
- Plastics (1)
- Polarized fluorescence measurements (1)
- Poly(L‑lactide) (1)
- Poly(butadiene terephthalates) (PBT) (1)
- Poly(butylene terephtalate) PBT (1)
- Poly(butylene terephthalate) nanocomposites (1)
- Poly(methyl methacrylate) (1)
- Poly(p-xylylene) (1)
- Poly(phenylene) oxide (1)
- Poly(phosphoester)s (1)
- Polyamid (1)
- Polyamide 4.6 (1)
- Polyamide 6 (1)
- Polyamide 6,6 (1)
- Polyamides (1)
- Polybutadiene/chloroprene (1)
- Polycarbonate (PC) (1)
- Polyimide (1)
- Polyisocyanurate (1)
- Polyisocyanurate; PIR (1)
- Polymer (1)
- Polymer clay nanocomposites (1)
- Polymer-matrix composites (1)
- Polymeric material (1)
- Polyolefins (1)
- Polyphosphoester (1)
- Polypropylene-graft-maleic anhydride (1)
- Polystyrene (1)
- Polysulfones (1)
- Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (1)
- Polyurethane foams (1)
- Pool fire (1)
- Post-crash scenario (1)
- Post-fire testing (1)
- Pressure-sensitive adhesive (1)
- Protective coatings (1)
- Pseudo-synergy (1)
- Pudovik reaction (1)
- Pyrolysis combustion flow calorimeter (1)
- Pyrolysis front (1)
- Pyrolysis simulation (1)
- Pyrolysis volatiles (1)
- Pyrolysis zone (1)
- Radical generator (1)
- Rauchgase (1)
- Reaction to fire (1)
- Reaction-to-small-flame (1)
- Recyclable (1)
- Renewable adjuvants (1)
- Renewable source (1)
- Residue analysis (1)
- Residue design (1)
- Residue formation (1)
- Residue morphology (1)
- Resources from waste streams (1)
- Rigid (1)
- Rigid foam (1)
- Rigid foams (1)
- SBR (1)
- SEM/EDX (1)
- STT (1)
- STT MuFu+ (1)
- Sandwich (1)
- Seaweeds (1)
- Sepiolite (1)
- Shells (1)
- Silicon dioxide (1)
- Silicone rubber (1)
- Silicones (1)
- Siloxane (1)
- Siloxane functionalized PPX (1)
- Small scale (1)
- Small scale test furnace (1)
- Smoke behavior (1)
- Smoke density (1)
- Smoke measurement (1)
- Smoke suppressant (1)
- Smoldering (1)
- Sol-gel (1)
- Ssynergy (1)
- Standard time temperature furnace (1)
- Starch (1)
- Steady burning (1)
- Steel construction (1)
- Stringer reinforced components (1)
- Stringer reinforced shells (1)
- Structural composites (1)
- Structural integrity (1)
- Structural integrity investigation (1)
- Structure-flame retardancy relationship (1)
- Structureproperty relations (1)
- Styrene butadiene rubber (1)
- Sulfur (1)
- Sulfur containing polymers (1)
- Surface treatments (1)
- Swelling (1)
- Synergie (1)
- Synergism (1)
- Synergist (1)
- Synergistic effect (1)
- Synergy index (1)
- TED-GC/MS (1)
- TG (1)
- TGA-MS (1)
- Talc (1)
- Tannery industry (1)
- Tannic acid (1)
- Tapes (1)
- ThermKin (1)
- ThermaKin (1)
- Thermal Analysis (1)
- Thermal decomposition (1)
- Thermal properties (1)
- Thermal resistance (1)
- Thermal treatment (1)
- Thermal-oxidation (1)
- Thermally reduced graphite oxide (1)
- Thermogravimetric analyses (1)
- Thermogravimetry (1)
- Thermomechanical properties (1)
- Thermoplastic Polyurethane (1)
- Thermoplastic resin (1)
- Thermoset (1)
- Thio-ether (1)
- Toxicity (1)
- Transesterification (1)
- Triazine (1)
- Uncertainty (1)
- V0 dripping (1)
- Verbundwerkstoffe (1)
- Viscosity (1)
- Vitrimers (1)
- Vulcanization (1)
- Weathering stability (1)
- Wittig reactions (1)
- Wood (1)
- Wood modification (1)
- Wood plastic composite (1)
- Wood plastic composite (WPC) (1)
- Working life (1)
- X-ray (1)
- Xpoxy resin (1)
- Zinc stannate (1)
- ZnS (1)
- biocomposite (1)
- biodegradation (1)
- carbon black (1)
- composite (1)
- fire resistance (1)
- fire stability (1)
- flame retardance (1)
- flame retardant (1)
- industrial waste (1)
- intermediate-scale testing (1)
- melamine (1)
- multilayer graphene (1)
- nanocomposites (1)
- natural fibers (1)
- phosphorous flame retardant (1)
- poly(propylene) (PP) (1)
- renewable (1)
- rubber (1)
- sandwich panels (1)
- shells (1)
- sustainability (1)
- sustainable (1)
- thermogravimetric analysis (1)
- thermoplastic starch (1)
- thermosets (1)
Organisationseinheit der BAM
- 7 Bauwerkssicherheit (113)
- 7.5 Technische Eigenschaften von Polymerwerkstoffen (113)
- 7.3 Brandingenieurwesen (6)
- 6 Materialchemie (3)
- 7.1 Baustoffe (2)
- 5 Werkstofftechnik (1)
- 5.3 Polymere Verbundwerkstoffe (1)
- 6.0 Abteilungsleitung und andere (1)
- 6.3 Strukturanalytik (1)
- 6.6 Physik und chemische Analytik der Polymere (1)
Paper des Monats
- ja (2)
Starting from trivalent 10-alkoxy-10H-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrenes, a broad range of DOPO derivatives was synthesized via transesterification with aliphatic alcohols and subsequent Michaelis-Arbuzov rearrangement using catalytic amounts of p-toluenesulfonic acid methylester. Due to the considerable differences in the nature of the alcohols employed, several procedures for processing them are presented.
10-Ethyl-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (1) can be nitrated using acetic anhydride and fuming nitric acid. The nitro group is reduced using palladium on charcoal and hydrogen. These reaction conditions are used for the synthesis of an analogous DOPO-based diaminic hardener (7). An evaluation of the curing behavior, mechanical properties and flammability of a neat resin made of DGEBA and 7 (DGEBA + 7) and of a carbon fiber-reinforced resin made of DGEBA, 4,4-diaminodiphenylsulfon (DDS) and 7 (DGEBA + DDS + 7) shows the potential of this hardener to lead to flame-retardant systems while keeping relevant properties on a high level; especially when compared to a similar system (DGEBA + DDS + 1).
Polymeric nanocomposites are discussed as one of the most promising advanced materials whose nanoscale effects can be exploited for industry. Layered silicate polypropylene-graft-maleic anhydride nanocomposites are investigated as a model to clarify the potential of such materials in terms of fire retardancy. The nanostructure is characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and shear viscosity. The fire behavior is characterized using different external heat fluxes in cone calorimeter, limiting oxygen index and UL 94 classification. A comprehensive fire behavior characterization is presented which enables an assessment of the materials’ potential with respect to different fire scenarios and fire tests. The influence of morphology and the active mechanisms are discussed, such as barrier formation and changed melt viscosity. To our knowledge, it is the first attempt to illuminate the concept’s strengths, such as the reduction of flame spread, and weaknesses, such as the lack of influence on ignitability, in a clear, comprehensive and detailed manner.
A method was developed to assess the heat insulation performance of intumescent coatings. The method consists of temperature measurements using the bench-scaled experimental set-up of a cone calorimeter and finite difference simulation to calculate the effective thermal conductivity dependent on time/temperature. This simulation procedure was also adapted to the small scale test furnace, in which the standard time-temperature curve is applied to a larger sample and thus which provides results relevant for approval. Investigations on temperature and calculated effective thermal conduction were performed on intumescent coatings in both experimental set-ups using various coating thicknesses. The results correspond to each other as well as showing the limits of transferability between both fire tests. It is shown that bench-scaled cone calorimeter tests are a valuable tool for assessing and predicting the performance of intumescent coatings in larger tests relevant for approval. The correlation fails for processes at surface temperatures above 750°C, which are not reached in the cone calorimeter, but are attained in the small scale furnace set-up.
Polymeric intumescent coatings are fire protective materials that increase their thermal resistance when exposed to high temperatures to prevent building structures from damage. The idea of the investigation was to develop a simple test method to determine the time dependent thermal conductivity of intumescent coatings. Therefore steel plates were coated with two different intumescent systems. During cone calorimeter tests the temperature at the back side of the coated plates was measured. These results were used to calculate the time dependent thermal resistance of the protective layer with the simulation program IOPT2D for different external heat fluxes and different layer thickness.
To curtail flammability risks and improve material properties, flame retardants (FRs) and fillers are mixed into rubbers. High loadings of aluminum trihydroxide (ATH) and carbon black (CB) are the most used FRs and reinforcing additive, respectively, in rubbers. To reduce loading without losing mechanical properties, partial substitution of ATH as well as CB by low amounts of multilayer graphene (MLG) nanoparticles is investigated. The high aspect ratio MLG is made of ten graphene sheets. In polybutadiene/chloroprene (BR/CR) nanocomposites 3 phr MLG replaced 15 phr CB and/or 3 phr ATH. Material and mechanical properties as well as fire behavior of the nanocomposites are compared to BR/CR with 20 phr CB both with and without 50 phr ATH. MLG appears as a promising nanofiller to improve the functional properties: replacement of CB improved rheological, curing, and mechanical properties; substitution of ATH improved nanocomposite properties without affecting flame retardancy.
Valorizing “non-vegan” bio-fillers: Synergists for phosphorus flame retardants in epoxy resins
(2022)
Sustainable, biogenic flame retardant adjuvants for epoxy resins are receiving increased focus. Zoological products like insects, bone meal, and eggshells are available in large quantities, but remain uninvestigated as functional fillers to epoxy resins, although they are potential synergists to flame retardants. The efficacy and flame retardancy of “non-vegan” additives in combination with flame retardants is investigated and the fire behavior and thermal decomposition of bio-sourced epoxy resin composites is characterized. By comparing the fire performance of composites containing flame retardants or fillers at varying loadings (5, 10, and 20%), their role as synergists that enhance the function of organophosphorus flame retardants in bio-epoxy composites is identified and quantified. Peak heat release rates were 44% lower in composites containing both filler and flame retardant versus those containing only flame retardants, and fire loads were reduced by 44% versus the pure resin, highlighting the ability of “non-vegan” fillers to function as synergists.
We successfully synthesized multifunctional P-based hyperbranched polymeric flame retardants (hb-FRs) with varying oxygen-to-nitrogen (O : N) content and characterized them via 1H and 31P NMR and GPC. Their miscibility in epoxy resins (EP) and impact on glass-transition temperatures (Tg) were determined via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Using thermogravimetric and evolved gas Analysis (TGA, TG-FTIR), pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), hot stage FTIR, flammability tests UL-94 and LOI, fire testing via cone calorimetry, residue analysis via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and elemental analysis, detailed decomposition mechanisms and modes of action are proposed. hb-polymeric FRs have improved miscibility and thermal stability, leading to high FR performance even at low loadings. Polymeric, complex FRs increase flame retardancy, mitigate negative effects of low molecular weight variants, and can compete with commercial aromatic FRs. The results illustrate the role played by the chemical structure in flame retardancy and highlight the potential of hb-FRs as multifunctional additives.
Hyperbranched polyphosphoesters are promising multifunctional flame retardants for epoxy resins. These polymers were prepared via thiol-ene polyaddition reactions. While key chemical transformations and modes of actions were elucidated, the role of sulfur in the chemical composition remains an open question. In this study, the FR-performance of a series of phosphorus-based flame retardant additives with and without sulfur (thioethers or sulfones) in their structure are compared. The successful synthesis of thio-ether or sulfone-containing variants is described and verified by 1H and 31P NMR, also FTIR and MALDI-TOF. A decomposition process is proposed from pyrolytic evolved gas analysis (TG-FTIR, Py-GC/MS), and flame retardancy effect on epoxy resins is investigated under pyrolytic conditions and via fire testing in the cone calorimeter. The presence of sulfur increased thermal stability of the flame retardants and introduced added condensed phase action. Likely, Sulfur radical generation plays a key role in the flame-retardant mode of action, and sulfones released incombustible SO2. The results highlight the multifunctionality of the hyperbranched polymer, which displays better fire performance than its low molar mass thio-ether analogue due to the presence of vinyl groups and higher stability than its monomer due to the presence of thio-ether groups.
We synthesized a library of phosphorus-based flame retardants (phosphates and phosphoramides of low and high molar mass) and investigated their behavior in two epoxy resins (one aliphatic and one aromatic).
The pyrolytic and burning behavior of the two resins (via TGA, TG-FTIR, Hot stage FTIR, Py-GC/MS, PCFC, DSC, LOI, UL-94, Cone calorimeter) are analyzed and compared to the results of flame retardant (FR)-containing composites. A decomposition pathway incorporating the identified modes of action and known chemical mechanisms is proposed. The overlap of decomposition temperature (Tdec) ranges of matrix and FR determines the efficacy of the system. Low molar mass FRs strongly impact material properties like Tg but are very reactive, and high molar mass variants are more thermally stable. Varying PeO and PeN content of the FR affects decomposition, but the chemical structure of the matrix also guides FR behavior. Thus, phosphates afford lower fire load and heat release in aliphatic epoxy resins, and phosphoramides can act as additives in an aromatic matrix or a reactive FRs in aliphatic ones. The chemical structure and the structure-property relationship of both FR and matrix are central to FR performance and must be viewed not as two separate but as one codependent system.
A rigid aromatic phosphorus-containing hyperbranched flame retardant structure is synthesized from 10-(2,5 dihydroxyphenyl)-10H-9-oxa-
10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO-HQ), tris(4-hydroxyphenyl)phosphine oxide (THPPO), and 1,4-terephthaloyl chloride (TPC). The resulting poly-(DOPO-HQ/THPPO-terephthalate) (PDTT) is implemented as a flame retardant into an epoxy resin (EP) at a 10 wt% loading. The effects on EP are compared with those of the monomer DOPO-HQ and triphenylphosphine oxide (OPPh3) as low molar mass flame retardants. The glass transition temperature, thermal decomposition, flammability (reaction to small flame), and burning behavior of the thermosets are investigated using differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetry, UL 94-burning chamber testing, and cone calorimeter measurements.
Although P-contents are low at only 0.6 wt%, the study aims not at attaining V-0, but at presenting a proof of principle: Epoxy resinswith PDTT show promising fire performance, exhibiting a 25% reduction in total heat evolved (THE), a 30% reduction in peak heat release rate (PHRR) due to flame inhibition (21% reduction in effective heat of combustion (EHC)), and an increase in Tg at the same time. This study indicates that rigid aromatic hyperbranched polymeric structures offer a promising route toward multifunctional flame retardancy.
Leather is among the most ancient, widely used materials worldwide. Industrial-scale leather production produces large quantities of organic waste attained during shaving and buffing steps during processing. In this study, leather wastes (LW) are used as fillers in flame retarded polymer composites. LW is investigated as a multifunctional bio-filler that enhances the fire performance of flame retarded poly(ethylene–vinyl acetate) (EVA) containing phosphorus flame retardants (P-FRs) ammonium polyphosphate (APP) or a melamine-encapsulated APP (eAPP). Using LW from tanneries as adjuvants to enhance P-FRs in EVA reduces industrial wastes that otherwise require costly waste management solutions. Materials are characterized multi-methodically via mechanical tests, electron microscopy, rheology, thermogravimetric analysis, evolved gas analysis, and condensed phase FTIR, also reaction-to-small-flames and cone calorimeter tests. EVA containing 10 wt-% LW and 20 wt-% P-FRs achieve 20% reductions in fire loads versus EVA, and up to 10% reduction in effective heats of combustion versus EVA with equal (30 wt-%) P-FR loadings. Enhanced char stabilization of EVA composites with LW and P-FRs lowered peaks of heat release rates up to 53% compared to EVA, and up to 40% compared to equal P-FRs loadings. Synergisms between LW and P-FRs in EVA are quantified. A chemical decomposition mechanism is proposed.
The synthesis of a disiloxane-functionalized [2.2]paracyclophane and its polymerization to the corresponding siloxane-substituted poly(p-xylylene) via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) has been described. Because of the enhanced solubility of the siloxane substituted poly(p-xylylene) analysis of the molecular structure by NMR, molecular weight, and polydispersity by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and processing by film casting as well as nanofiber formation by electrospinning was possible. Structural isomers were found by NMR which was expected due to the isomeric mixture of the precursor. High molecular weights at moderate polydispersities were found by GPC which was unexpected for a vapor phase deposition polymerization. The amorphous morphology in combination with a low glass transition temperature led to high elongation at break for the siloxane substituted poly(p-xylylene). Significant difference for the wetting versus water was found for as-deposited films, solution cast films, and nanofibers obtained by electrospinning with contact angles up to 135° close to superhydrophobic behavior.
The fire retardancy mechanism of aluminium diethyl phosphinate (AlPi) and AlPi in combination with melamine polyphosphate (MPP) was investigated in glass-fibre reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6/GF) by analysing the pyrolysis, flammability and fire behaviour. AlPi in PA6/GF-AlPi partly vaporises as AlPi and partly decomposes to volatile diethylphosphinic acid (subsequently called phosphinic acid) and aluminium phosphate residue. In fire a predominant gas-phase action was observed, but the material did not reach a V-0 classification for the moderate additive content used. For the combination of both AlPi and MPP in PA6/GF-AlPi-MPP a synergistic effect occurred, because of the reaction of MPP with AlPi. Aluminium phosphate is formed in the residue and melamine and phosphinic acid are released in the gas phase. The aluminium phosphate acts as a barrier for fuel and heat transport, whereas the melamine release results in fuel dilution and the phosphinic acid formation in flame inhibition. The higher amount of aluminium phosphate in PA6/GF-AlPi-MPP stabilised the residue in flammability tests in comparison to PA6/GF-AlPi, so that this material achieved a V-0 classification in the UL 94 test.
The pyrolysis and fire behavior of glass-fiber reinforced poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT/GF) with two different metal phosphinates as flame retardants in combination with and without melamine cyanurate (MC) were analyzed by means of thermogravimetry, thermogravimetry coupled with infrared spectroscopy, flammability, and cone calorimeter tests as well as scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. In PBT/GF, dosages of 13-20% of the halogen-free flame retardant aluminum phosphinate or aluminum phosphinate in combination with MC fulfill the requirements for electrical engineering and electronics applications (UL 94 = V-0; LOI > 42%), whereas the use of the same amount of zinc phosphinate or zinc phosphinate in combination with MC does not improve the fire behavior satisfactorily (UL 94 = HB; LOI = 27-28%). The performance under forced flaming conditions (cone calorimeter) is quite similar for both of the metal phosphinates. The use of aluminum and zinc salts results in similar flame inhibition predominantly due to the release of the phosphinate compounds in the gas phase. Both metal phosphinates and MC interact with the polymer changing the decomposition characteristics. However, part of the zinc phosphinate vaporizes as a complete molecule. Because of the different decomposition behavior of the metal salts, only the aluminum phosphinate results in a small amount of thermally stable carbonaceous char. In particular, the aluminum phosphinate-terephthalate formed is more stable than the zinc phosphinate-terephthalate. The small amount of char has a crucial effect on the thermal properties and mechanical stability of the residue and thus the flammability.
A systematic and comparative evaluation of the pyrolysis of halogen-free flame-retarded epoxy resins containing phosphine oxide, phosphinate, phosphonate, and phosphate (phosphorus contents around 2.6 wt.%) and the fire behaviour of their carbon fibre composites is presented. Decomposition pathways are proposed based on the thermal analysis (TG), TG coupled with evolved gas analysis (TG-FTIR), kinetics and analysis of the residue with FTIR and XPS. All organophosphorus-modified hardeners containing phenoxy groups lead to a reduced decomposition temperature and mass loss step for the main decomposition of the cured epoxy resin. With increasing oxidation state of the phosphorus the thermally stable residue increases, whereas the release of phosphorus-containing volatiles decreases. The flammability of the composites was investigated with LOI and UL 94 and the fire behaviour for forced-flaming conditions with cone calorimeter tests performed using different irradiations. The flame retardancy mechanisms are discussed. With increasing oxidation state of the phosphorus additional charring is observed, whereas the flame inhibition, which plays the more important role for the performance of the composites, decreases. The processing and the mechanical performance (delamination resistance, flexural properties and interlaminar bonding strength) of the fibre-reinforced composites containing phosphorus were maintained at a high level and, in some cases, even improved. The potential for optimising flame retardancy while maintaining mechanical properties is highlighted in this study.
Summary: The decomposition of novel phosphorus-containing poly(oxyphenylene-sulfonyl-phenylene-oxy-diphenyl phenylene phosphine oxide) (PSU_I), 2,5-dihydroxy-1-biphenylene-phosphine oxide based polysulfone (PSU_II), poly(sulfonyl-diphenylphenylene phosphonate) (PSU_P) and bisphenol A-based polysulfone (PSU) is studied. The influence of the chemical structure, charring and phosphorus release is discussed based on the mass loss, kinetics and products. The pyrolysis and fire behaviour of blends with epoxy resin (EP) are studied. For EP-PSU_II, phosphorus initiates water elimination and changes the decomposition pathway of EP. The fire behaviour of EP-PSU shows some improvements, whereas the heat release rate is crucially reduced for EP-PSU_II due to simultaneous char formation and flame inhibition.
The thermal decomposition and the fire behavior of glass fiber reinforced polyamide 66 (PA-66) and high impact polystyrene (HIPS) containing red phosphorus (P4) were investigated. For glass fiber reinforced PA-66, P4 promotes char formation in the condensed phase. Barrier effects and the reduction of combustible volatiles were identified as fire retardancy mechanisms. For HIPS, P4 acts in the gas phase, mainly trapping radicals. The heat release per mass loss polymer is reduced due to an incomplete combustion.
Flame Retardant Mechanisms of Red Phosphorus and Magnesium Hydroxide in High Impact Polystyrene
(2004)
The flame retardant mechanisms of red phosphorus, magnesium hydroxide and red phosphorus combined with magnesium hydroxide were studied in high impact polystyrene by means of comprehensive decomposition studies and combustion tests. The study is intended to illuminate prerequisites and the potential of red phosphorus as a fire retardant for hydrocarbon polymers in the condensed phase and in the gas phase. Thermal and thermo-oxidative decomposition, decomposition kinetics and the product gases evolved were characterized using thermogravimetry coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy, respectively. Fire behaviour was investigated with a cone calorimeter using different external heat fluxes, whereas the flammability was determined by limited oxygen indices. The combustion residues were analysed using XPS. Red phosphorus reduced the heat release in HIPS due to radical trapping in the gas phase. Magnesium hydroxide influenced fire behaviour by heat sink mechanisms, release of water and the formation of a magnesia layer acting as a barrier. The combination of both flame retardants in HIPS nearly resulted in a superposition. A slight synergy in barrier characteristics was due to the formation of magnesium phosphate, whereas a slight anti-synergism occurred in flammability and in the gas phase action. The latter effect is controlled by a decreased fuel rate due to the barrier layer rather than by an initiation of red phosphorus oxidation in the condensed phase.
Pyrolysis and fire behavior of high impact polystyrene (HIPS) containing red phosphorus and melamine polyphosphate were investigated. The thermal and thermo-oxidative decomposition were characterized using thermogravimetry coupled with FTIR and MS, respectively. The fire behavior was monitored with a cone calorimeter using different external heat fluxes and determining the LOI. Red phosphorus reduced the heat release in HIPS due to radical trapping in the gas phase. The reduction in effective heat of combustion was accompanied by an increase of incomplete combustion products such as smoke and carbon monoxide. Melamine polyphosphate in HIPS acted in the condensed phase with barrier formation. The heat release rate was reduced, whereas the total heat evolved, smoke and carbon monoxide formation were not influenced significantly. Using both fire retardants, the resulting fire retardancy was characterized mainly by superposition.
The flame retardancy mechanisms of aluminium diethylphosphinate (AlPi) and its combination with melamine cyanurate (MC) in glass-fibre-reinforced poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT/GF) were analysed using TGA including evolved gas analysis (TGA-FTIR), cone calorimeter measurements using various irradiations, flammability tests (limited oxygen index, LOI, UL 94) and chemical analyses of residues (FTIR, SEM/EDX). AlPi decomposed mainly through the formation of diethylphosphinic acid and aluminium phosphate and influenced the decomposition of the PBT only slightly. AlPi acted mainly through flame inhibition. A halogen-free V-0 PBT/GF material was achieved with a LOI of 44%. Additional charring influenced the flammability. MC decomposed independently of the polymer and showed some fuel dilution effects.
The fire retardancy mechanisms of aluminium diethylphosphinate in combination with melamine polyphosphate and zinc borate was analysed in glass-fibre reinforced polyamide 6,6. The influence of phosphorus compounds on the polyamide decomposition pathways was characterized using thermal analysis (TG), evolved gas analysis (TGFTIR), and FTIRATR analysis of the residue. The Lewis acidbase interactions between the flame retardants, the amide unit, and the metal ions control the decomposition. The flammability (LOI, UL 94) and performance under forced-flaming conditions (cone calorimeter using different irradiations) were investigated. Fire residues were analysed with FTIRATR, SEMEDX, and NMR. Aluminium phosphinate in polyamide 6,6 acts mainly by flame inhibition. Melamine polyphosphate shows some fuel dilution and a significant barrier effect. Using a combination of aluminium phosphinate and melamine polyphosphate results in some charring and a dominant barrier effect. These effects are improved in the presence of zinc borate due to the formation of boronaluminium phosphates instead of aluminium phosphates.
The influence of weathering on the fire retardancy of polymers is investigated by means of a cone calorimeter test, before and after artificial weathering. The surface degradation was monitored using different techniques (ATR–FTIR, microscopy, colour measurement). Different kinds of polymeric materials were chosen, all as they are used in practice: polycarbonate (PC) blends, polyamide (PA) and polypropylene (PP) flame-retarded with arylphosphate, melamine cyanurate (MC) and intumescent formulation based on ammonium polyphosphate (APP), respectively.
All samples show material degradation at the surface due to weathering. No significant weathering influence occurs on the flame retardancy when it is a bulk property, as was observed for aryl phosphates in PC blends and MC in PA. When the fire retardancy is dominated by a surface mechanism, dependence on the duration of weathering is detected: for intumescent formulations based on ammonium APP in PP, a worsening in the formation of the intumescent network was observed.
Aluminium diethylphosphinate (AlPi-Et) and inorganic aluminium phosphinate with resorcinol-bis(di-2,6-xylyl phosphate) (AlPi-H+RXP) were compared with each other as commercially available halogen-free flame retardants in poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) as well as in glass-fibre-reinforced PBT (PBT/GF). Pyrolysis behaviour and flame retardancy performance are reported in detail. AlPi-H+RXP released phosphine at very low temperatures, which can become a problem during processing. AlPi-Et provided better limiting oxygen index (LOI) values and UL 94 ratings for bulk and PBT/GF than AlPi-H+RXP. Both flame retardants acted via three different flame-retardancy mechanisms in bulk as well as in PBT/GF, namely, flame inhibition, increased amount of char, and a protection effect of the char. AlPi-Et was more efficient in decreasing the total heat evolved of PBT in the cone calorimeter test. AlPi-H+RXP reduced the peak heat release rate of PBT more efficiently than AlPi-Et. An optimum loading of AlPi-Et in PBT/GF was found, which was below the supplier's recommendation. This loading provides a maximum increase in LOI and a maximum decrease in total heat evolved.
Pyrolysis, fire behaviour and mechanical properties of a blend of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) with a phosphorus polyester (PET-P-DOPO) are investigated and compared with PBT/aluminium diethylphosphinate (AlPi-Et) composites. The PBT/PET-P-DOPO is immiscible and exhibits gas-phase and condensed-phase activity, whereas AlPi-Et in PBT results mainly in flame inhibition. Only higher loadings of AlPi-Et yield significant condensed-phase activity. Using the same phosphorus content, PBT/PET-P-DOPO and PBT/AlPi-Et exhibit similar reductions in fire load (22%) and flame spread (17% assessed by fire growth rate, FIGRA), compared with PBT. In contrast to AlPi-Et, the addition of PET-P-DOPO does not decrease the tensile strength of PBT. Thus, PET-P-DOPO is an interesting alternative to low-molecular-weight flame retardants.
PET-P-DOPO is a phosphorus-containing polyester prepared from the glycol ether of the hydroquinone derivative of 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO) and dimethyl terephthalate. PET-P-DOPO and a blend of PBT with PET-PDOPO were investigated with respect to pyrolysis and fire behavior. PET-P-DOPO achieves a V-0 rating in the UL 94 test and exhibits a high LOI of 39.3%. The outstanding flame-retardant properties of PET-P-DOPO are the result of three different mechanisms (flame inhibition, charring and a protection effect of the intumescent char) that are active in PET-P-DOPO. The fire load and the peak of heat release rate (pHRR) are reduced to 34% and 17%, respectively. The char exhibits an intumescent multicellular structure enabling it to act as an efficient protection layer. As PET-P-DOPO is immiscible with PBT, the blend shows a lower breaking elongation than pure PBT. Compared to pure PET-P-DOPO, the flame retardancy of the blend is decreased according to the fraction of PET-P-DOPO used. Nevertheless, the flame-retardancy of PET-P-DOPO in the blend was good enough to compete with PBT flame-retarded by AlPi-Et (aluminum diethylphosphinate) that was used as a Benchmark.
Pyrolysis and fire behaviour of a phosphorus polyester (PET-P-DOPO) have been investigated. The glycol ether of the hydroquinone derivative of 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide was used as a reactive halogen-free flame retardant in PET-P-DOPO. PET-P-DOPO is proposed as an alternative to poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) with established halogen-free additives. It exhibits a high LOI (39.3%) and achieves V-0 classification in the UL 94 test. Three different mechanisms (flame inhibition, charring and a protection effect by the intumescent char) contribute to the flame retardancy in PET-P-DOPO and were quantified with respect to different fire risks. The fire load was reduced by 66% of the PBT characteristic. The reduction is the superposition of the relative reduction due to flame inhibition (factor 0.625) and charring (factor 0.545). The peak of heat release rate (pHRR) was reduced by 83% due to flame inhibition, charring and the protection properties of the char (factor 0.486). The strength of all three mechanisms is in the same order of magnitude. The intumescent multicellular structure enables the char to act as an efficient protection layer. PBT flame-retarded with aluminium diethylphosphinate was used as a benchmark to assess the performance of PET-P-DOPO absolutely, as well as versus the phosphorus content. PET-P-DOPO exhibits superior fire retardancy, in particular due to the additional prolongation of the time to ignition and increase in char yield. PET-P-DOPO is a promising alternative material for creating halogen-free flame-retarded polyesters.
Elastomers are usually reinforced by large amount of fillers like carbon black (CB) or silica in order to improve various mechanical properties, such as Young’s modulus, hardness, tear resistance, abrasion resistance, and gas barrier properties. In recent years, such improvements were also obtained by using nanoparticles at significantly lower filler loadings. Graphene is a twodimensional (2D) sheet of a thickness in the atomic scale, composed of a honeycomb structure of sp2 carbon atoms. Besides significant mechanical reinforcement, graphene harbors the potential to be used as a multifunctional filler, as it can also increase the conductivity and weathering stability of elastomer matrices. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and oxidative agents can lead to the degradation of elastomers due to a multistep photooxidative process, including the formation of radicals. Carbon-based fillers have an influence on these reactions, as they can absorb UV radiation and act as radical scavengers.
This chapter summarizes the results of our larger project on multilayer graphene (MLG)/elastomer nanocomposites, previously published, which present a comprehensive case study of MLG as a multifunctional nanofiller in elastomer/graphene nanocomposites. Different elastomeric matrices are compared in order to demonstrate the outstanding impact of MLG as a general benefit. The dependency of this effect on concentration is discussed in detail. Taking into account the key role of dispersion, different mixing procedures are compared, evaluating a facile implementation of graphene nanocomposites into conventional rubber processing. Finally, the most probable commercial uses of MLG nanofillers in combination with conventional CB are studied. The nanocomposites were prepared in the kg scale in order to obtain enough specimens to investigate various properties of the uncured and vulcanized rubbers at the highest quality level, including rheology, curing, morphology, several mechanical properties, abrasion, conductivity, gas permeation, burning behavior, and weathering stability. The structure property relationships are asserted and questioned, for example, by investigating the radical scavenging ability or aspect ratio of the MLG. This chapter illustrates the state of the art of graphene/rubber nanocomposites targeted for commercial mass applications.
Dielectric Study of Molecular Mobility in Poly(propylene-graft-maleic anhydride)/Clay Nanocomposites
(2005)
Polymer/clay nanocomposite materials based on poly(propylene-graft-maleic anhydride) (PPgMAH) and two different organophilic modified clays were investigated by dielectric relaxation spectroscopy (DRS). In contrast to ungrafted polypropylene (PP), PPgMAH shows a dielectrically active relaxation process which can be assigned to localized fluctuations of the polar maleic anhydride groups. Its relaxation rate exhibits an unusual temperature dependence, which could be attributed to a redistribution of water molecules in the polymeric matrix. This is confirmed by a combination of Raman spectroscopy and thermogravimetric experiments (TGA) with real-time dielectric measurements under controlled atmospheres. In the nanocomposites this relaxation process is shifted to higher frequencies up to 3 orders of magnitude compared to the unfilled polymer. This indicates a significantly enhanced molecular mobility in the interfacial regions. In the nanocomposite materials a separate high-temperature process due to Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars (MWS) polarization was observed. The time constant of this MWS process can be correlated with characteristic length scales in nanocomposites and therefore provides additional information on dispersion and delamination/exfoliation of clay platelets in these materials. These properties also influence the diffusivity of the water molecules as revealed by real-time dielectric investigations.
Polyurethane foams (PUF) are generally flammable, so they are limited in some applications due to strict fire safety requirements. In this study, three distinct industrial benchmark polyurethane foams containing synergistic combinations of expandable graphite (EG) and phosphorous flame retardants (P-FR) were investigated one by one for their fire performance and smoke behavior. This paper aims to substantiate the hypothesis that the combination of EG and P-FR used in polyurethane foams yields a top-notch composite in terms of flame retardancy and smoke behavior by meeting the demanding requirement of low maximum average heat emission (MARHE) and smoke emission in a variety of applications, like advanced materials in construction, lightweight materials for railways, and more.
A series of flexible polyurethane foams (FPUFs) were prepared with single and different combinations of flame retardants and additives. Expandable graphite (EG), phosphorous polyol (OP), copper (II) oxide (CuO), and/or castor oil (CAS) were added to FPUF during the foam preparation in a one-step process. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the synergistic effects of the flame retardants, additives, and the presence of bio-based content on the mechanical properties, flame retardancy, and smoke behavior of FPUFs. The combination of 10 wt % EG and 5 wt % OP in FPUF significantly improves the char yield. In the cone calorimeter experiment, the char yield is nearly three times higher than that with 10 wt % EG alone. The smoke behavior is additionally evaluated in a smoke density chamber (SDC). Comparing the samples with a single flame retardant, 10 wt % EG in FPUF considerably reduces the amount of smoke released and the emission of toxic gases. Replacing the amount of 10 wt % polyether polyol in FPUF with CAS maintains the physical and mechanical properties and fire behavior and enhances the bio-based content. The presence of 0.1 wt % CuO in FPUF effectively reduces the emission of hydrogen cyanide. As a result, this study proposes a multicomponent flame retardant strategy for FPUF to enhance the biomass content and address the weaknesses in flame retardancy, smoke, and toxic gas emissions. A starting point is disclosed for future product development.
A systematic series of flexible polyurethane foams (FPUF) with different concentrations of flame retardants, bis([dimethoxyphosphoryl]methyl) phenyl phosphate (BDMPP), and melamine (MA) or expandable graphite (EG) was prepared. The mechanical properties of the FPUFs were evaluated by a universal testing machine. The pyrolysis behaviors and the evolved gas analysis were done by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and TGA coupled with Fourier-transform infrared (TG-FTIR), respectively. The fire behaviors were studied by limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL 94 test for horizontal burning of cellular materials (UL 94 HBF), and cone calorimeter measurement. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the cellular structure's morphology and the postfire char residue of the FPUFs. LOI and UL 94 HBF tests of all the flame retarded samples show improved flame retardancy. BDMPP plays an essential role in the gas phase because it significantly reduces the effective heat of combustion (EHC). This study highlights the synergistic effect caused by the combination of BDMPP and EG. The measured char yield from TGA is greater than the sum of individual effects. No dripping phenomenon occurs during burning for FPUF-BDMPP-EGs, as demonstrated by the result of the UL 94 HBF test. EG performs excellently on smoke suppression during burning, as evident in the result of the cone calorimeter test. MA reduces the peak heat release rate (pHRR) significantly. The synergistic effect of the combination of BDMPP and EG as well as MA offers an approach to enhance flame retardancy and smoke suppression.
A phosphorous soybean-oil–based polyol was derived via epoxidation and ring opening reaction as an alternative to petrochemical-based polyol for the synthesis of flexible polyurethane foams (FPUFs). 5-wt.% and 10-wt.% of expandable graphite (EG) were added to further improve flame retardancy. The mechanical properties (tensile strength and compression stress) of the foams were investigated. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) coupled with Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) were conducted to evaluate the pyrolysis; limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL 94 and cone calorimeter were performed to analyze the fire performance of the foams; smoke density chamber was used to investigate the smoke released during burning. When 10-wt.% of EG was used, the flame retardancy of the foams was much enhanced due to the synergistic effect between phosphorus and EG. The char yield was three times higher (54wt.%). The fire load MARHE approached 100 kWm−2, half of the value expected for a superposition. The combination of phosphorous polyols and EG is proposed as strategy for future flame retarded FPUFs.
Due to the high flammability and smoke toxicity of polyurethane foams (PUFs) during burning, distinct efficient combinations of flame retardants are demanded to improve the fire safety of PUFs in practical applications. This feature article focuses on one of the most impressive halogen-free combinations in PUFs: expandable graphite (EG) and phosphorus-based flame retardants (P-FRs). The synergistic effect of EG and P-FRs mainly superimposes the two modes of action, charring and maintaining a thermally insulating residue morphology, to bring effective flame retardancy to PUFs. Specific interactions between EG and P-FRs, including the agglutination of the fire residue consisting of expanded-graphite worms, yields an outstanding synergistic effect, making this approach the latest champion to fulfill the demanding requirements for flame-retarded PUFs. Current and future topics such as the increasing use of renewable feedstock are also discussed in this article.
High-throughput fire tests and weathering-induced degradation behaviour of intumescent coatings
(2018)
In this work, the weathering-induced degradation of intumescent coatings was investigated by a systematic and comprehensive approach. A mechanism is revealed that is proposed to be responsible for the loss of function of intumescent coatings induced by weathering.
First, the thermal decomposition of artificially weathered intumescent coatings was examined. To get a better understanding of the weathering and ageing phenomena, the degradation behaviour of the single ingredients during the weathering process was investigated, as well as their chemical and physical interactions. For the systematic approach, the materials that are essential for intumescence (ammonium polyphosphate, pentaerythritol, titanium dioxide, melamine and the binder) are treated with moisture, elevated temperature and UV radiation.
Thermogravimetry (TG) and IR spectroscopy were used to compare the initial samples with their different grades of weathering. We demonstrate that ammonium polyphosphate, melamine and the binder are mainly responsible for the ageing process. Further, it was demonstrated that TG and IR spectroscopy are suitable measuring methods to detect the effects of weathering on intumescent coatings.
Finally, a small-scale fire test procedure is introduced. Based on the reduction of the sample size, up to 50 samples can be tested in a single fire test. The results of this fire test have the same quality as the results from standard intermediate fire tests corresponding to DIN 4102-8.
A systematic approach was used to investigate the weathering-induced degradation of a common water–based intumescent coating. In this study, the coatings are intended for humid indoor applications on steel substrates. The coating contains ammonium polyphosphate, pentaerythritol, melamine, and polyvinyl acetate. By replacing each ingredient with a less water-soluble substance, the most vulnerable substances, polyvinyl acetate and pentaerythritol, were identified. Furthermore, the weathering resistance of the system was improved by exchanging the ingredients. The coatings were stressed by artificial weathering tests and evaluated by fire tests. Thermogravimetry and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were used to study the thermal decomposition. This study lays the foundation for the development of a new generation of water-based intumescent coatings.
A mono-component intumescent flame retardant named ethylenediamine-modified ammonium polyphosphate (MAPP) is used in polyethylene-octene elastomer (POE). Insight into the flame-retardant mechanisms of the MAPP is provided from a new perspective. The fire performance of POE/MAPP composites is investigated by oxygen index (OI) and vertical burning (UL-94) tests. POE Composite containing 35 wt% MAPP achieves a V-0 rating, and its OI is 29.3 vol%. The thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) confirm that the incorporation of ethylenediamine changes the thermal decomposition of APP, mainly resulting in the formation of char layer with a thermally stable structure. Cone calorimeter analysis revealed the flame-retardant modes of action of MAPP in POE under forced-flaming conditions. Quantitative analysis illustrates that both the residue due to charring and the fuel dilution/flame Inhibition resulting from the release of incombustible products/ phosphorus species decrease the total heat release (fire load) by 20e28%. The residue increases linearly with increasing MAPP content, whereas the reduction in effective heat of combustion levels off. Moreover, the flame-retardant effect resulting from the protective properties of the char is discovered to be the dominant mode of action (up to 85% reduction) with respect to the peak heat release rate, leading to the excellent flame retardancy of POE/MAPP.
The impact of the chemical structure of four different aryl bisphosphates on the flame retardancy of bisphenol A polycarbonate/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene blends (PC/ABS) was investigated. The impact of the bridging unit was studied, by comparing bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate) BDP with biphenyl bis(diphenyl phosphate) BBDP and hydroquinone bis(diphenyl phosphate) HDP; as well as the influence of an aromatic substitution by comparing BBDP with biphenyl bis (di-2,6-xylyl phosphate) BBXP. The blends were investigated in terms of pyrolysis (thermogravimetry TG, TG coupled with Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and mass spectrometry (MS)) and fire performance (cone calorimeter, LOI, UL 94). The decomposition temperature of the flame retardant is a main parameter enabling a condensed phase interaction with PC decomposition products. The phosphate esters reacting with phenolic groups during pyrolysis were shown to increase cross-linking and reduce the hydrolysis/alcoholysis of the carbonate group. Variation of the aromatic substitution with the use of biphenyl bis (di-2,6-xylyl phosphate) led to reduced performance, highlighting the importance of the reactivity of the flame retardant with the decomposing PC.
The pyrolysis and fire performance of bisphenol A polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC/ABS) flame-retarded by a mixture of two aryl bisphosphates were investigated by thermogravimetry-coupled with FTIR, oxygen index (LOI), UL 94 and cone calorimeter. Both flame retardants, bisphenol A bis (diphenyl phosphate) BDP and hydroquinone bis (diphenyl phosphate) HDP, show gas-phase and condensed-phase actions. When mixed together at different ratios, a synergy is observed in terms of pyrolysis and fire residues as well as in effective heat of combustion (THE/ML). The synergisms were quantified and confirmed mathematically by the evaluation of the synergistic effect index (SE). All LOI values for the flame-retarded blends are between 29% and 32%, as opposed to 23% for PC/ABS, and UL94 testing results in V-0 at 1.6 mm instead of HB. Investigations on the binary system BDP + HDP reveal that BDP and HDP interact with each other, yielding stable intermediate products which are proposed to increase the thermal stability of the PC/ABS + BDP/HDP blends. Oligomeric phosphate esters are presumed to form via transesterification.
Herein we investigate the influence of carbon additives with different particle sizes and shapes on the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of isotactic polypropylene. Thermally reduced graphite oxide (TRGO) and multi-layer graphene (MLG250), consisting of few graphene layers, are compared with spherical, tubular and platelet-like carbon fillers such as carbon black (CB), multiwall nanotubes (MWNT) and expanded graphite (EG). The different morphologies control the dispersion of the carbon particles in PP and play a key role in structure–property relationships. Uniformly dispersed CB, MLG250 and TRGO shift the onset temperature of PP decomposition to temperatures around 30 °C higher, induce a flow limit in the composites' melt viscosity and change drastically their fire behaviour. The prevented dripping and significantly increased heat absorption result in decreased time to ignition and hardly any change in the reaction to a small flame. Under forced-flaming conditions reductions in the peak heat release rate of up to 74% are achieved due to the formation of a protective layer of residue during combustion. The described effects of carbon nanomaterials on the properties of PP composites are most pronounced for well-exfoliated graphenes, making them preferable to less exfoliated, micron-sized expanded graphite or conventional spherical and tubular carbon nanoparticles.
Herein, we examine the influence of adding functionalized graphene (FG), distinct expanded graphites and carbon nanofillers such as carbon black and multiwall carbon nanotubes on mechanical properties, morphology, pyrolysis, response to small flame and burning behavior of a V-2 classified flame-retarded polypropylene (PP). Among carbon fillers, FG and multilayer graphene (MLG) containing fewer than 10 layers are very effectively dispersed during twin-screw extrusion and account for enhanced matrix reinforcement. In contrast to the other fillers, no large agglomerates are detected for PP-FR/FG and PP-FR/MLG, as verified by electron microscopy. Adding FG to flame-retardant PP prevents dripping due to reduced flow at low shear rates and shifts the onset of thermal decomposition to temperatures 40°C higher. The increase in the onset temperature correlates with the increasing specific surface areas (BET) of the layered carbon fillers. The reduction of the peak heat release rate by 76% is attributed to the formation of effective protection layers during combustion. The addition of layered carbon nanoparticles lowers the time to ignition. The presence of carbon does not change the composition of the evolved pyrolysis gases, as determined by thermogravimetric analysis combined with online Fourier-transformed infrared measurements. FG and well-exfoliated MLG are superior additives with respect to spherical and tubular carbon nanomaterials.
The characteristic influences of increasing concentrations of graphene, expanded graphite (EG), carbon black (CB), and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNT) are investigated on pyrolysis, reaction to small flame, burning behavior, and on electrical, thermal, and rheological properties of flame retarded polypropylene (PP-FR). The property-concentration dependency is different for the various material properties, as threshold, linear, and leveling off functions were observed. Increasing concentrations of carbon nanoparticles resulted in a decrease in the electrical resistivity of the polymer by crossing the percolation threshold. The developing nanoparticle network changes melt flow behavior for small shear rates, increases thermal conductivity and therefore, affects the UL 94 classification and oxygen index. The onset temperature of PP decomposition is shifted to temperatures up to 37°C higher; the peak heat release rate is reduced by up to 74% compared to PP-FR. Both effects leveled off with increasing particle concentration. Among the four carbon nanomaterials tested, graphene presents superior influence on composite properties over the tested concentration range and outperforms commercial CB, MWNT, and EG. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:12301241, 2015.
Thermally reduced graphite oxide (TRGO), containing only four single carbon layers on average, was combined with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and magnesium hydroxide (MH), respectively, in polypropylene (PP). The nanoparticle's influence on different flame-retarding systems and possible synergisms in pyrolysis, reaction to small flame, fire behavior and mechanical properties were determined. TRGO has a positive effect on the yield stress, which is decreased by both flame-retardants and acts as a synergist with regard to Young's modulus. The applicability and effects of TRGO as an adjuvant in combination with conventional flame-retardants depends strongly on the particular flame-retardancy mechanism. In the intumescent system, even small concentrations of TRGO change the viscosity of the pyrolysing melt crucially. In case of oxygen index (OI) and UL 94 test, the addition of increasing amounts of TRGO to PP/APP had a negative impact on the oxygen index and the UL 94 classification. Nevertheless, systems with only low amounts (≤1 wt%) of TRGO achieved V-0 classification in the UL 94 test and high oxygen indices (>31 vol%). TRGO strengthens the residue structure of MH and therefore functions as a strong synergist in terms of OI and UL 94 classification (from HB to V-0).
Revolutionizing our polymer industry for adaption to a sustainable carbon circular economy has become one of today’s most demanding challenges. Exploiting renewable resources to replace fossil-fuel—based plastics with biopolymers such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is inevitable while using waste streams as a raw material resource at least is promising. When it comes to using PLA as technical polymer, its high flammability must be addressed by flame retardants compatible with the thermoplastic processing of PLA and its compostability. This study proposes microalgae enriched with phosphorus from wastewater (P-Algae) as an elegant way towards a kind of sustainable organophosphorus flame retardant. The concept is demonstrated by investigating the processing, pyrolysis, flammability, and fire behavior of PLA/P-Algae, while varying the P-Algae content and comparing P-Algae with four alternative bio-fillers (phosphorylated lignin, biochar, thermally treated sewage sludge, and metal phytate) with different P-contents as meaningful benchmarks.
Revolutionizing our polymer industry for adaption to a sustainable carbon circular economy has become one of today’s most demanding challenges. Exploiting renewable resources to replace fossil-fuel—based plastics with biopolymers such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is inevitable while using waste streams as a raw material resource at least is promising. When it comes to using PLA as technical polymer, its high flammability must be addressed by flame retardants compatible with the thermoplastic processing of PLA and its compostability. This study proposes microalgae enriched with phosphorus from wastewater (P-Algae) as an elegant way towards a kind of sustainable organophosphorus flame retardant. The concept is demonstrated by investigating the processing, pyrolysis, flammability, and fire behavior of PLA/P-Algae, while varying the P-Algae content and comparing P-Algae with four alternative bio-fillers (phosphorylated lignin, biochar, thermally treated sewage sludge, and metal phytate) with different P-contents as meaningful benchmarks.
Thermal, thermo-oxidative and fire residues of high impact polystyrene/magnesium hydroxide/red phosphorus (HIPS/Mg(OH)2/Pr) are investigated by solid-state NMR and compared with the results for the binary subsystem Mg(OH)2/Pr. The influences of oxygen, nitrogen and temperature are discussed. For a thermal decomposition and pyrolysis during combustion, the main pyrolysis of HIPS takes place while the remaining residue is a rather intact polymer, with a major share of the embedded Pr still present. Subsequently, mainly amorphous phosphates and a slight amount of crystalline Mg3(PO4)2 and Mg2P2O7 are formed at the highest temperatures. Only with increasing mass loss does the remaining polystyrene structure decompose and graphitic structures occur. The influence of oxygen on the decomposition mechanism is most obvious for the binary system Mg(OH)2/Pr. Pr vanishes more rapidly and crystalline, oxygen-rich magnesium phosphates are formed. In HIPS/Mg(OH)2/Pr systems the polymer acts as a barrier to reaction by the embedded particles, so that major characteristics of an anaerobic decomposition are found. Significant amounts of phosphorus are retained in the condensed phase through a reaction of Pr with Mg(OH)2 to mostly amorphous phosphates. This formation of amorphous inorganic magnesium phosphates can act as an additional physical barrier. This study outlines some advanced approaches for controlling the condensed-phase mechanisms of phosphorus and underlines that solid-state NMR is a most powerful tool for investigating the organic and inorganic residues.
We report the selective ring opening copolymerisation (ROCOP) of
oxetane and phthalic thioanhydride by a heterobimetallic Cr(III)K
catalyst precisely yielding semi-crystalline alternating poly(esteralt-
thioesters) which show improved degradability due to the
thioester links in the polymer backbone.
In den letzten Jahren werden zunehmend Nanopartikel als Füllstoff für Polymere vorgeschlagen und auch erfolgreich in Elastomer-Nanocomposites eingesetzt. In dieser Arbeit wird Multilayergraphen (MLG) als Nanofüllstoff näher untersucht, der sich bereits bei geringen Konzentrationen als effizient erweist. MLG besteht aus nur etwa zehn Graphenlagen.
Chlorbutylkautschuk (CIIR)/MLG-Nanocomposites mit verschiedenen MLG-Gehalten wurden mit Hilfe eines ultraschallunterstützen Mischverfahrens in Lösung hergestellt und auf einem Walzwerk weiterverarbeitet. Das Einmischen von MLG führt zu einer deutlichen Verbesserung der rheologischen und mechanischen Eigenschaften, des Vernetzungsverhaltens sowie der Barrierewirkung gegenüber Gasen. Bereits der Zusatz von 3 phr MLG zu CIIR führt zu einem mehr als zweifach höheren E-Modul und zu einer Reduktion der Permeabilität von O2 und CO2 um 30 %. Höhere Konzentrationen an Nanofüllstoff resultieren in einer weiteren Verbesserung der Eigenschaften der Nanocomposites. Weiterhin zeigten die CIIR/MLG-Nanocomposites auch eine geringere Entflammbarkeit.
In recent years, different nanoparticles have been proposed and successfully introduced as nanofillers in rubber nanocomposites. In this study, multilayer graphene (MLG) is proposed as a nanoparticle that functions efficiently at low concentrations. MLG consists of just 10 or so graphene sheets. Chlorine isobutyl isoprene rubber (CIIR)/MLG nanocomposites with different MLG loadings were prepared using an ultrasonically assisted solution mixing procedure followed by two-roll milling. The incorporation of MLG provides a clear improvement in the rheological, mechanical, curing, and gas barrier properties of the nanocomposites. Adding only 3 phr ofMLGto CIIR increased the Young’s modulus by more than two times and reduced the permeability ofO2 andCO2 by 30%. Higher nanofiller concentrations yielded further improvement in the properties of the nanocomposites. Moreover, CIIR/MLG nanocomposites showed reduced flammability.
Elastomers are usually reinforced and employed in different applications. Various different nanoparticles, including layered silicates, carbon nanotubes, and expanded graphite, are currently being used as nanofiller. Multilayer Graphene (MLG) is proposed as promising nanofiller to improve the functional properties of Chlorine-Isobutylene-Isoprene Rubber (CIIR), Nitrile-Butadiene Rubber (NBR), Natural Rubber (NR) and Styrene–Butadiene Rubber (SBR) at low concentrations. MLG is constituted by only approximately 10 graphene sheets. Nanocomposites with extremely low MLG content (3 phr) showed evident improvement in rheological, mechanical and curing properties. The Young's modulus of the nanocomposites increased more than twice in comparison with the unfilled rubbers. MLG also improved the weathering resistance of the different rubbers. The nanocomposites conserved their initial mechanical properties against weathering exposure.
High loadings of carbon black (CB) are usually used to achieve the properties demanded of rubber compounds. In recent years, distinct nanoparticles have been investigated to replace CB in whole or in part, in order to reduce the necessary filler content or to improve performance. Multilayer graphene (MLG) is a nanoparticle made of just 10 graphene sheets and has recently become commercially available for mass-product nanocomposites. Three phr (part for hundred rubbers) of MLG are added to chlorine isobutyl isoprene rubber (CIIR)/CB composites in order to replace part of the CB. The incorporation of just 3 phr MLG triples the Young’s modulus of CIIR; the same effect is obtained with 20 phr CB. The simultaneous presence of three MLG and CB also delivers remarkable properties, e.g. adding three MLG and 20 phr CB increased the hardness as much as adding 40 phr CB. A comprehensive study is presented, showing the influence on a variety of mechanical properties. The potential of the MLG/CB combination is illustrated to reduce the filler content or to boost performance, respectively. Apart from the remarkable mechanical properties, the CIIR/CB/MLG nanocomposites showed an increase in weathering resistance.
Multilayer graphene/chlorine-isobutene-isoprene rubber nanocomposites: the effect of dispersion
(2016)
Multilayer graphene (MLG) is composed of approximately 10 sheets of graphene. It is a promising nanofiller just starting to become commercially available. The Dispersion of the nanofiller is essential to exploit the properties of the nanocomposites and is dependent on the preparation method. In this study, direct incorporation of 3 parts per hundred of rubber (phr) MLG into chlorine-isobutene- isoprene rubber (CIIR) on a two-roll mill did not result in substantial enhancement of the material properties. In contrast, by pre-mixing the MLG (3 phr) with CIIR using an ultrasonically assisted solution mixing procedure followed by two-roll milling, the properties (rheological, curing, and mechanical) were improved substantially compared with the MLG/CIIR nanocomposites mixed only on the mill. The Young’s moduli of the nanocomposites mixed in solution increased by 38%. The CIIR/MLG nanocomposites produced via solution showed superior durability against weathering exposure.
The flame retardancy of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) containing aluminium diethlyphosphinate (AlPi) and/or nanometric metal oxides such as TiO2 or Al2O3 was investigated. In particular the different active flame retardancy mechanisms were discovered. Thermal analysis, evolved gas analysis (TG-FTIR), flammability tests (LOI, UL 94), cone calorimeter measurements and chemical analyses of residues (ATR-FTIR) were used. AlPi acts mainly in the gas phase through the release of diethylphosphic acid, which provides flame inhibition. Part of AlPi remains in the solid phase reacting with the PBT to phosphinate-terephthalate salts that decompose to aluminium phosphate at higher temperatures. The metal oxides interact with the PBT decomposition and promote the formation of additional stable carbonaceous char in the condensed phase. A combination of metal oxides and AlPi gains the better classification in the UL 94 test thanks to the combination of the different mechanisms.
A novel route toward halogen-free fire retardancy of polymers through innovative surface coating is described. Nanofiber mats based on polyimide are deposited on PA66 through electrospinning. Scanning electron microscopy is used to characterize the nanofibers. Cone calorimeter tests were performed to evaluate the fire performance. Because of their low thermal conductivity, electrospun nanofiber mats act not only as sacrificial layers but also as a protective surface that delays ignition. The effect is influenced by the fiber diameters and the imidization.
The potential of a multi-component laminate composite material in terms of improved flame retardancy and adequate mechanical performance is discussed. A double-layer system based on a biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates blend was obtained by compression molding. A thin halogen-free flame-retarded layer was located at the top of a kenaf-fiber-reinforced core. Kenaf fibers acted as a carbonization compound promoting charring and building up a superficial insulating layer that protected the material throughout combustion. The impact of different skin/core thickness on the thermal and fire properties was investigated. Synergistic flame retardancy occurs in the cone calorimeter. Chemical and fire investigations confirmed a changed pyrolysis behavior in multicomponent materials. Promising results are obtained in terms of mechanical performance: higher flexural and impact properties were observed in the single fiber-reinforced layer.
The known flame-retardant synergism between phosphorus-based additives and metal oxides, already used for petroleum-based plastics, has been extended to bio-based materials. The pyrolysis and the flame-retardancy properties of aluminium phosphinate (AlPi) in combination with nanometric iron oxide and antimony oxide on a poly(3-hydroxy-butyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PHBV/PBAT) blend were investigated. Better fire retardancy, ascribed to increases in intermediate char, favoured improvements in the UL 94 classification. Both the phosphorus and the nanofiller components participate simultaneously in the flame-retardancy mechanism: the first acting as flame inhibition in the gas phase, and the second promoting cross-linking in the solid phase. Redox reactions between iron oxide and the phosphinate additive were confirmed by XRD analysis and provided further evidence of the activity of metal compounds.
The pyrolysis and the flame retardancy of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) containing aluminum diethylphosphinate (AlPi) and nanometric Fe2O3 were investigated using thermal analysis, evolved gas analysis (Thermogravimetry-FTIR), flammability tests (LOI, UL 94), cone calorimeter measurements and chemical analysis of residue (FTIR). AlPi mainly acts as a flame inhibitor in the gas phase, through the release of diethylphosphinic acid. A small amount of Fe2O3 in PBT promotes the formation of a carbonaceous char in the condensed phase. The combination of 5 and 8 wt% AlPi, respectively, with 2 wt% metal oxides achieves V-0 classification in the UL 94 test thanks to complementary action mechanisms. Using PBT/metal oxide nanocomposites shows a significant increase in the flame retardancy efficiency of AlPi in PBT and thus opens the route to surprisingly sufficient additive contents as low as 7 wt%.
Effect of well dispersed amorphous silicon dioxide in flame retarded styrene butadiene rubber
(2013)
Spherically shaped amorphous silicon dioxide with broad size particle distribution was used in combination with aluminium trihydroxide (ATH) in styrene butadiene rubber composites. The pyrolysis, flammability, fire properties, flame spread and gas diffusion were investigated. The kind and amount of ATH, but in particular the fine silicon dioxide chosen as an additive, influenced the thermal decomposition and fire behaviour of styrene butadiene rubber composites. Gravimetric gas sorption measurements showed that the gas diffusion was systematically lower with silicon dioxide. The initial pyrolysis gas release was hindered, increasing the temperature at which decomposition begins as well as the ignition time in fire tests. During combustion, ATH and silicon dioxide accumulate on the surface of the specimen, forming a residual protective layer. A reduced peak heat release rate and fire spread were observed. The addition of a special kind of silicon dioxide is proposed to play a key role in optimising fire retardancy.
The recently approved EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR) applies to cables as construction products.
The difficulty of predicting the fire performance of cables with respect to propagation of flame and contribution to fire hazards is well known. The new standard EN 50399 describes a full-scale test method for the classification of vertically mounted bunched cables according to CPR. Consideration of the material, time, and thus cost requires an alternative bench-scale fire test, which finds strong demand for Screening and development purposes. The development of such a bench-scale fire test to assess the fire Performance of multiple vertically mounted cables is described. A practical module for the cone calorimeter is proposed, simulating the fire scenario of the EN 50399 on the bench scale. The efficacy of this module in predicting full-scale CPR test results is shown for a set of 20 different optical cables. Key properties such as peak heat release rate (PHRR), fire growth rate (FIGRA), and flame spread are linked to each other by factors of around 5. In a case study, the bench-scale test designed was used to investigate the influence of the main components on the fire behaviour of a complex optical cable.
The use of coconut fiber (CF) agricultural waste was considered as an environmentally friendly and inexpensive alternative in flame retarded biocomposites. To decrease the high content of aluminum trihydrate (ATH) required, the thermal decomposition (thermogravimetry), flammability [oxygen index (LOI) and UL 94 test] and fire behavior (cone calorimeter) of a combination of CF and ATH were investigated in a commercial blend of thermoplastic starch (TPS) and cellulose derivatives. CF induced some charring activity, slightly decreasing the fire load and burning propensity in cone calorimeter test. ATH decomposes endothermically into water and inorganic residue. Significant fuel dilution as well as a pronounced residual protection layer reduces the fire hazards. Replacing a part of ATH with coconut fibers resulted in improved flame retardancy in terms of ignition, reaction to small flame, and flame-spread characteristics [heat release rate (HRR), fire growth rate (FIGRA), etc.]. The observed ATH and CF synergy opens the door to significant reduction of the ATH contents and thus to interesting flame retarded biocomposites.
Material solutions that meet both circular bioeconomy policies and high technical requirements have become a matter of particular interest. In this work, a prospectively abundant proteinrich waste resource for the manufacturing of flame-retardant epoxy biocomposites, as well as for the synthesis of biobased flame retardants or adjuvants, is introduced. Different biomass fillers sourced from the cultivation of the mealworm beetle Tenebrio molitor are embedded in a bioepoxy resin cured with tannic acid and investigated regarding the fire performance of the thermosets. By means of spectroscopic and thermal analysis (attenuated total reflectance FTIR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis-coupled FTIR spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry), the influence of the biomass microparticles on the curing and thermal degradation behavior is evaluated. The final performance of the biocomposites is assessed based on fire testing methodology (limited oxygen index, UL-94, and cone calorimetry). Providing a high charring efficiency in the specific tannic acid-based epoxy matrix, the protein-rich adult beetle is further investigated in combination with commercial environmentally benign flame retardants in view of its potential as an adjuvant. The results highlight a char forming effect of nonvegan fillers in the presence of tannic acid, particularly during thermal decomposition, and point toward the potential of protein-based flame retardants from industrial insect rearing for future formulations.
Microplastic particles are currently detected in almost all environmental compartments. The results of detection vary widely, as a multitude of very different methods are used with very different requirements for analytical validity.
In this work four thermoanalytical methods are compared and their advantages and limitations are discussed. One of them is thermal extraction-desorption gas chromatography mass spectrometry (TED-GC/MS), an analysis method for microplastic detection that has become established in recent years. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (TGA-FTIR) and mass spectrometry (TGA-MS) were applied, two methods that are less common in this field but are still used in other research areas. Finally, microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC) was applied, a method not yet used for microplastic detection.
The presented results are taken from a recently published interlaboratory comparison test by Becker et al. (2020). Here a reference material consisting of suspended matter and specified added polymer masses was examined, and only the results of the recoveries were presented. In the present paper, however, the results for the individual polymers are discussed in detail and individual perspectives for all instruments are shown.
It was found that TED-GC/MS is the most suitable method for samples with unknown matrix and unknown, variable kinds and contents of microplastic. TGA-FTIR is a robust method for samples with known matrix and with defined kinds of microplastic. TGA-MS may offer a solution for the detection of PVC particles in the future. MCC can be used as a very fast and simple screening method for the identification of a potential microplastic load of standard polymers in unknown samples.
As most of polymeric materials are inherently flammable, flame retardants (FR) are commonly used to reduce their fire risks. Nevertheless, these flame retardant materials are often detrimental to smoke parameters like specific optical density or smoke toxicity. The influence of several smoke suppressants (SP)-zinc stannate, zinc phosphate, titanium oxide and hydrotalcite-were investigated with respect to flame retardancy, smoke emission, particle emission and smoke toxicity in a diethyl aluminum phosphinate (AlPi) flame retardant polyamide 6.6 (PA6.6). It was shown that the interaction between SP, FR and polymer is crucial for smoke and fire properties and can change the mode of action of the FR as well the decomposition mechanism of the polymer. Small amounts of SP show less effect on forced flaming behavior and the optical density, but they can influence flammability and the particle size distribution of the soot particles. The flame retardancy was significantly enhanced by 5 wt.-% zinc stannate in PA6.6 under forced flaming conditions. The charring mechanism was improved, and the mode of action of AlPi switched from the gas to the condensed phase. This resulted of in a reduced PHRR and TSP and an increase in residue yield. The smoke toxicity and optical density were reduced in the smoke density chamber as well. The smoke particles shifted to smaller sizes as the time in the pyrolytic zone increased. The formation of a dense char is assumed to be the key factor to enhance smoke suppression and flame retardancy properties.
To ensure fire safety, polymers are filled with flame retardants and smoke suppressants. To meet the highest requirements, it is essential to understand the decomposition of those polymeric materials. This study reveals interactions between polymer, smoke suppressants, and flame retardants, and discusses their impact on the materials’ flame retardancy, smoke emission, smoke toxicity, and particle emission in conventional loadings to provide deeper general understanding. Low melting oxide glass, melem, spherical silica, sepiolite, melamine polyphosphate, and boehmite in an aluminum diethylphosphinate flame-retarded polyamide 6.6 were investigated. All smoke suppressants improve the protective layer and act as an adjuvant. Silica and melem performed best under forced flaming conditions. Spherical silica reduces the peak of heat release rate by 39% and the total heat evolved by 14%, whereas 10 wt% melem lowers the total smoke production by 41%. Melem alters the mode of action of aluminum diethylphosphinate from gas to more condensed phase activity. This change reduces flame inhibition and hence smoke toxicity, but further improves the protective layer due to charring reactions in the decomposition mechanism. In addition, the sizes of the smoke particles decrease because of the prolonged time in the pyrolytic zone. This study highlights that interactions between polymer, flame retardants, and smoke suppressants can significantly determine the smoking and burning behavior.
Replacing antimony trioxide (ATO) in flame retardant formulations is an urgent task due to its toxicity. There are indications that calcium hypophosphite (CaP) may be a promising replacement. This study investigates the decomposition, fire behavior, and smoke release of brominated flame-retarded acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) under various fire scenarios like ignition, developing fire and smoldering, while replacing ATO with CaP and CaP/talc. Adding 4 wt.-% of talc to CaP formulations showed beneficial effects on flammability due to changes in the viscosity and barrier properties. Synergism between 8 wt.-% talc and CaP improved the protective layer in the developing fire scenario, resulting in a ∼60 % decrease in the peak of heat release rate and reduction of ∼21 % in total smoke production (ref. ABS+Br+ATO). With a conventional index of toxicity (CIT) of below 0.75, ABS+Br+CaP passes the highest requirements according to EN 45545-2. Overall, the CaP/talc materials improve flame retardancy, show less smoke emission under forced flaming conditions, and prevent chronic intoxication and environmental pollution through smoke particles contaminated with antimony.
A liquid crystalline mainchain conjugated polymer for polarized electroluminescence applications
(1997)
Flexible polyurethane foams with densities of 40 ± 2 kg m−3 were prepared by combining different ecofriendly fillers such as layered double hydroxides (LDH) and kraft lignin (a byproduct of the pulp and paper industry) with a phosphorous polyol (E560) in order to study their effect on the mechanical performance and fire behavior of the foams. Two series of foams were prepared, some containing lignin or LDH separately, and some with a combination of both: one of the series was prepared without E560 (0E foam series) and the other with 5 parts per hundred of E560 polyol (5E series). The use of fillers resulted in increased viscosity of the reactive mixture, requiring higher blowing agent content in order to hold the density of the foams constant. It was observed that urea phase segregation was favored in the series of 0E foams due to their lower viscosity than the 5E series. This had consequent effects on the resilience, compression force deflection and compression set of these foams. In terms of fire behavior it was observed that while the limiting oxygen index decreased, cone calorimeter results showed that the combination of lignin, LDH and E560 decreased the heat release of the foams. In addition, the combination of fillers and E560 contributed to increase the viscosity of the pyrolysis products, preventing the dripping of the molten polymer, which is a key factor in flame propagation towards adjacent objects in fire scenarios.
Flexible polyurethane foams (FPUF) are easy to ignite and exhibit rapid flame spread. In this paper, the fire phenomena of two standard foam formulations containing tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (FR-2) and a halogen-freepoly (ethyl ethylene phosphate) (PNX), respectively, as flame retardants are compared. A multimethodological approach is proposed which combines standard fire tests as well as new investigatory approaches. The thermophysical properties of the foams were determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TG), reaction to small flames was studied by means of the limiting oxygen index (LOI) and UL 94 HBF test, and the burning behavior was investigated with the cone calorimeter. Further, temperature development in burning cone calorimeter samples was monitored using thermocouples, and rheological measurements were performed on pyrolyzed material, delivering insight
into the dripping behavior of the foams. This paper gives comprehensive insight into the fire phenomena of flame-retarded FPUFs that are driven by the two-step decomposition behavior of the foams. LOI and UL 94 HBF tests showed a reduced flammability and reduced tendency to drip for the flame-retarded foams. TG and cone calorimeter measurements revealed that the two-step decomposition behavior causes two stages during combustion, namely structural collapse and pool fire. The flame-retardant mode of action was identified to take place primarily during the foam collapse and be based mainly on flame inhibition. However, some condensed-phase action was been measured, leading to significantly increased melt viscosity and improved dripping behavior for foams containing PNX.
Rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) typically exhibit low thermal inertia, resulting in short ignition times and rapid flame spread. In this study, the fire phenomena of RPUFs were investigated using a multi-methodological approach to gain detailed insight into the fire behaviour of pentaneand water-blown polyurethane (PUR) as well as pentane-blown polyisocyanurate Polyurethane (PIR) foams with densities ranging from 30 to 100 kg/m3. Thermophysical properties were studied using thermogravimetry (TG); flammability and fire behaviour were investigated by means of the limiting oxygen index (LOI) and a cone calorimeter. Temperature development in burning cone calorimeter specimens was monitored with thermocouples inside the foam samples and visual investigation of quenched specimens’ cross sections gave insight into the morphological changes during burning. A comprehensive investigation is presented, illuminating the processes taking place during foam combustion. Cone calorimeter tests revealed that in-depth absorption of radiation is a significant factor in estimating the time to ignition. Cross sections examined with an electron scanning microscope (SEM) revealed a pyrolysis front with an intact foam structure underneath, and temperature measurement inside burning specimens indicated that, as foam density increased, their burning behaviour shifted towards that of solid materials. The superior fire performance of PIR foams was found to be based on the cellular structure, which is retained in the residue to some extent.
Rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) exhibit short times to ignition as well as rapid flame spread and are therefore considered to be hazardous materials. This paper focuses on the fire phenomena of RPUFs, which were investigated through a multimethodological approach. Water-blown polyurethane (PUR) foams without flame retardants (FRs) as well as waterblown PUR foams containing triethyl phosphate as a gas phase-active FR were examined. The aim of this study is to clarify the influence of the FR on the fire phenomena during combustion of the foams. Additionally, materials’ densitieswere varied to range from 30 to 100 kg/m3. Thermophysical properties were studied bymeans of thermogravimetry; fire behavior and flammability were investigated via cone calorimeter and limiting Oxygen index, respectively. During the cone calorimeter test, the temperature development inside the burning specimens was monitored with thermocouples, and cross sections of quenched specimens were examined visually, giving insight into the morphological changes during combustion.
The present paper delivers a comprehensive study, illuminating phenomena occurring during foam combustion and the influence of a FR active in the gas phase. The superior fire performance of flameretarded PUR foams was found to be based on flame inhibition, and on increased char yield leading to a more effective protective layer. It was proven that in-depth absorption of radiation is a significant factor for estimation of time to ignition. Cross sections investigated with the electron scanning microscope exhibited a pyrolysis front with an intact foam structure underneath. The measurement of temperature development inside burning specimens implied a shift of burning behavior towards that of non-cellular materials with rising foam density.
The influence of different organobentonites on the decomposition and the combustion behaviour of an epoxy resin were examined. The epoxy resin is a cationically polymerised cycloaliphatic epoxy resin flexibilised with poly(tetrahydrofuran) (PTHF), with hydroxyl endgroups. The bentonite was modified with either an ammonium or a phosphonium salt. The thermal decomposition of the PTHF induced by the initiator, used for the cationic polymerisation, did neither take place for the nanocomposite based on the ammonium bentonite nor for that based on the phosphonium bentonite. This improved decomposition characteristic lead to a larger time to ignition for both kinds of nanocomposites compared to the not modified polymer, which is not the case for other polymer/clay nanocomposites described in the literature. The fire behaviour was investigated using limiting oxygen index (LOI), a horizontal burner test and a cone calorimeter. The forced flaming conditions in the cone calorimeter were varied using different external heat fluxes between 30 and 70 kW · m-2. The fire behaviour of the nanocomposites was improved in comparison to the polymer, and phosphonium bentonite was superior to ammonium bentonite. The main mechanism is a barrier formation resulting in a reduction of the fire growth rate, which was more pronounced in the case of high external heat fluxes.
Functionalized graphene nanosheets TRGO and MLG 250, prepared from thermally reduced graphite oxide, represent attractive carbon additives for improving the performance of flame retardant polypropylene (PP-FR). The influence of carbon nanofiller type and content on morphology, thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties as well as the fire behavior of melt-extruded PP-FR is investigated. In contrast to conventional nano- and micron-sized carbon fillers such as expanded graphite (EG 40), nano-scaled carbon black (CB), and multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNT), only TRGO and MLG 250 afford uniform dispersion combined with simultaneously improved stiffness (+80%), electrical conductivity (3 × 10-5 S · cm-1) and enhanced flame retardancy of PP-FR, as expressed by lower peak heat release rate (-76%).
Pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes are used in several industrial applications such as con-struction, railway vehicles and the automotive sector,where the burning behavior is ofcrucial importance. Flame retarded adhesivetapes are developed and provided, however,often without considering the interaction of adhesive tapes and the bonded materialsduring burning nor the contribution of the tapes to fire protection goal of the bondedcomponents in distinct fire tests. This publication delivers an empirical comprehensiveknowledge how adhesive tapes and their flame retardancy effect the burning behaviorof bonded materials. With a special focus on the interaction between the single compo-nents, one flame retarded tape and one tapewithout flame retardant are examined inscenarios of emerging and developing fires, along with their bonds with the commonmaterials wood, zinc-plated steel, mineral wool, polycarbonate, and polymethylmethacry-late. The flame retardant significantly improved the flame retardancy of the tape as afree-standing object and yielded a V-2 rating in UL 94 vertical test and raised the OxygenIndex by 5 vol.%. In bonds, or rather laminates, the investigations prove that the choiceof carrier and substrates are the factors with the greatest impact on the fire propertiesand can change the peak of heat release rate and the maximum average rate of heatemission up to 25%. This research yielded a good empirical overall understanding of thefire behavior of adhesive tapes and bonded materials. Thus, it serves as a guide for tapemanufacturers and applicants to develop tapes and bonds more substrate specific.
It is an essential requirement for all building products to ensure durability of their fire safety. Throughout the working life of products, intumescent coatings are aged by certain climatic factors. To predict a lifetime of several years, generally the behaviour of the intumescent coating is extrapolated based on accelerated artificial ageing. The established German and European procedures to assess the durability assume a working life of at least 10 years. For a longer period, additional evidence is required; yet the procedure and the specifications to justify this are not described. In addition to addressing this formal lack, from a scientific point of view it is necessary to investigate the degradation of intumescent coatings in detail and to propose a reliable test concept to assess durability for more than 10 years. This paper summarises the existing knowledge about the ageing of intumescent coatings. The results of various demanding weathering approaches are presented for two intumescent coatings tested in a joint research project. Moreover, formulations with a reduced amount of functionally relevant components were analysed to gain insight into the associated effects. Derived from these research results and knowledge, recommendations are proposed to assess the durability of intumescent coatings for more than 10 years based on a combination of verifications.
The fire behaviour of light-weight material used in structural applications is regarded as the main challenge to be solved for mass transportation. The task is to perform realistic experiments, including a mechanical test scenario under fully developed fires, to improve the material's reliability in structural applications. Our approach utilises an intermediate-scale test set-up (specimen size 500 × 500 mm) to apply realistic compressive loads and fully developed fires directly to one side of a carbon-fibre-reinforced sandwich composite. Three different intumescent coatings were applied to sandwich structures and compared to a bench-scale study. The results emphasise intumescent coatings as a promising method to sustain fire resistance, multiplying the time to failure. Nevertheless, the realistic intermediate-scale test using severe direct flame application underlines the extremely short failure times when the actual composite components are tested without any additional insulation.
An intermediate-scale fire testing approach on the structural integrity of lightweight materials
(2013)
Carbon or glass über composites and Sandwich structures, the lightweight materials of choice for aviation, naval, offshore and construction show an enormous energy saving potential. Their combination of excellent specific mechanical properties, high corrosive resistance and thermal insulation properties in combination with various adoptable fabrication techniques leading to mass and fuel cost reduction. The most limiting single factor for a wider use of fibre reinforced plastics (FRP) in particular as elements for structural application is believed to be their fire behaviour (Mouritz and Gibson, 2006). FRPs promote burning by themselves consuming the stabilizing polymeric matrix while embedded fibers (glass, carbon) persisting the flame (Mouritz et ah, 2006). Already at elevated temperatures (100 - 200 °C) the matrix softens with a loss in mechanical properties (Perret et al., 2011, Mouritz and Gibson, 2006). For this reason the stability of the structural component is decreased severely. Fire behavior becomes the major hazard to worry about, increasingly demanding targetoriented investigation, suitable testing and tailored development.
Experimental approaches in the bench-scale have been proposed to investigate the structural integrity in the past (La Delfa et al., 2009, Gibson et al., 2010, Seggewiß, 2011, Mouritz and Gardiner, 2002, Schartel et al.). Ascribed to the small-scale neither the mechanical properties nor the effects of fire may be represented satisfactorily. Flence, the task is to perform more realistic investigations under adequate compressive loads in fully developed fires, based on suitable specimen sizes. Also (La Delfa et al., 2009)) have announced that it is evident that larger scale test of composites are needed. The aim of this study is to present a developed intermediate-scale test setup to perform more realistic investigations (Hörold et al.). Mechanical loading is generated by a column furnace in terms of compression due to a more severe response of specimens in fire tests (Seggewiß, 2011, Gibson et al., 2012, Feih et al., 2008, Feih et al., 2007). An oil burner used to determine the burnthrough resistance of thermal/acoustic insulation materials provides fire directly onto one side of the specimen (Federal Aviation Administration, 2003). Generating a fully developed fire the NexGen burner offers a homogenous heat flux of ~ 180 kW/m2. The intermediate-scale is addressed by specimen sizes either 500 x 500 mm or 1000 x 500 mm with a maximum thickness of 50 mm. The specimen attachment is realized by a compression device that was designed to apply the compressive loads, figure 1. The test setup for specimens with component like dimensions allows realistic investigations up to structural failure in absence and presence of fire load. A first test series was carried out with different levels of loading while the fire remained unchanged. Failure mechanisms, temperature distributions, diversity of FRPs regarding fiber, matrix, lay-up and core as well as flame retardant Systems are in the scope of investigation.
Fire stability of glass-fibre sandwich panels: The influence of core materials and flame retardants
(2017)
Fire resistance has become a key property for structural lightweight sandwich components in aviation, shipping, railway vehicles, and construction. The development of future composite materials and components demands adequate test procedures for simultaneous application of compression and fully developed fire. Therefore an intermediate-scale approach (specimen size = 500 mm x 500 mm) is applied with compressive loads (up to 1 MN) and direct application of a burner to one side of the specimens, as established in aviation for severe burn-through tests. The influence of different core structures (polyvinylchloride foam, polyisocyanorate foam reinforced by stitched glass bridges, and balsa wood) was investigated for glass-fibre-reinforced sandwich specimens with and without flame retardants applied on the fabrics, in the matrix, and on surface for each specimen at the same time. Times to failure were increased up to a factor of 4. The intumescent coating prolongs the time to failure significantly.
What is more, using the intrinsic potential of the front skin together with the core to protect a load bearing back skin in sandwich panels, the design of the core – here using the wood core – is the most promising approach.
A test set-up in intermediate scale was conceived to investigate the structural integrity of materials under fire. The task was to develop a realistic test scenario targeting component-like behaviour. Carbon-fibre-reinforced sandwich specimens (500 X 500 X 20 mm) were used to examine failure mechanisms, times to failure and critical failure loads under compression. Fire tests were performed with fully developed fire applied to one side of the specimen by an oil burner. In a first test series, the applied load was varied, but the fully developed fire remained unchanged. In general, times to failure were short. Decreased load levels resulted in prolonged times to failure and led to a different failure mechanism. Results obtained in the test series were compared with a bench-scale study (150 X 150 X 20 mm) investigating identical material. The comparison clearly revealed the influence of size on the time to failure and the load-bearing capacity.
Several investigation groups have studied the flame-retardancy modes of action and properties of epoxy resins in the past; nevertheless, the selection of suitable flame retardants for epoxy resins remains challenging, and the transfer to fiber composites is difficult. The addition of flame retardants and glass fibers (GFs) to a polymeric system in a fire scenario changes the polymer's pyrolytic path and burning characteristics, reduces the heat released in the combustion, and suppresses the modes of action in the condensed and gas phase. In this study, the thermal analysis, flammability, fire behavior, residue analysis, fire stability, and quantification of modes of action of three different systems with three halogen-free flame retardants (melamine polyphosphate (MPP), ammonium polyphosphate (APP), and silane ammonium polyphosphate (SiAPP)) and three different types of GFs (unidirectional (UD), bidirectional (BD), and woven roving (WR)) will be compared with pure epoxy resin as a reference.
Structural changes in the condensed phase of bisphenol A polycarbonate (containing 0.45 wt% poly (tetrafluoroethylene))/silicone acrylate rubber/bisphenol A bis(diphenyl-phosphate) (PC/SiR/BDP) and PC/SiR/BDP/zinc borate (PC/SiR/BDP/ZnB) during thermal treatment in nitrogen atmosphere and in fire residues were investigated by solid-state NMR. H-1, B-11, C-13 and P-31 NMR experiments using direct excitation with a single pulse and H-1-P-31 cross-polarization (CP) were carried out including 31P(1 H) and C-13{P-31}double-resonance techniques (REDOR: Rotational Echo Double Resonance) on a series of heat-treated samples (580 K-850 K). Because many amorphous phases occur in the solid residues, and solid-state NMR spectroscopy addresses the most important sites carbon, phosphorus and boron, this paper is the key analytical approach for understanding the pyrolysis and flame retarding phenomenon in the condensed phase of PC/SiR/BDP and PC/SiR/BDP/ZnB.
For the system PC/SiR/BDP it is shown that (i) at temperatures around 750-770 K (main decomposition step) carbonaceous charring of PC occurs and arylphosphate structures are still present, reacted in part with the decomposing PC; (ii) for higher temperatures from 770 K the phosphorus remaining in the solid phase increasingly converts to amorphous phosphonates and inorganic orthophosphates with a minor amount of crystalline orthophosphates; and (iii) H-1-P-31{H-1} CP REDOR and H-1-C-13{P-31} CP REDOR NMR experiments suggest that the phosphates and phosphonates are bound via oxygen to aromatic carbons, indicating the interaction with the carbonaceous char.
When ZnB is added to the system PC/SiR/BDP, (i) ZnB leads to a slightly enhanced PC decomposition for temperatures below 750 K; (ii) alpha-Zn-3(PO4)(2) and borophosphate (BPO4) are formed in small amounts at high temperatures suggesting a reaction between BDP and ZnB during thermal decomposition; and (iii) most of the borate remains in the solid residues, forming an amorphous pure borate network, with the BO3/BO4 ratio increasing with higher temperatures.
The NMR data of thermal and fire residues are highly correlated, underlining the importance of this work for understanding the pyrolysis and flame retardancy mechanisms in the condensed phase during the burning of the PC/SiR blends. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Solid residues of bisphenol A polycarbonate (containing 0.45 wt% poly(tetrafluoroethylene))/silicone acrylate rubber/bisphenol A bis(diphenyl-phosphate) (PC/SiR/BDP) and PC/SiR/BDP/zinc borate (PC/SiR/BDP/ZnB) after thermal treatment were investigated by solid-state and liquid-state NMR, focusing on the role and interaction of SiR with the other components of the polymer blend.
In PC/SiR/BDP, part of the SiR reacts to an amorphous silicate network rather than being completely released in the gas phase. The silicate network consists of Q4 and Q3 groups formed via intermediate D and T groups. The D groups are formed by a reaction of SiR with bisphenol-A units as well as phenyl groups of PC and BDP. In addition a small amount of silicon diphosphate was observed after thermal treatment at temperatures higher than 810 K. The same decomposition products (without SiP2O7) occur in the solid residues of PC/SiR/BDP/ZnB samples. The formation of intermediate D and T groups occurs earlier, at slightly lower temperatures. Any formation of a borosilicate network was excluded. The results also apply for the fire residues of PC/SiR/BDP and PC/SiR/BDP/ZnB and are thus valuable for understanding the impact of SiR on pyrolysis and flame retardancy mechanisms in the condensed phase during the burning of PC/SiR/BDP blends. SiR was found to influence the pyrolysis and the char formed. Beyond the replacement of highly combustible mechanical modifiers, SiR harbours the potential to enhance flame retardancy.
Two different numerical simulation tools, Fire Dynamic Simulator (FDS) and ThermaKin, are investigated with respect to their capability to predict the mass loss rate of polymer materials exposed to different fires. For validation, gasification apparatus and cone calorimeter tests are conducted. The main focus is on the influence of residue formation. Therefore, poly (butylene terephthalate) (PBT) and PBT reinforced with glass fibres (PBT-GF) are investigated and compared. PBT decomposes almost completely, while PBT-GF forms residue. The materials are characterised in order to provide suitable input parameters. Additionally the total incident heat flux to the sample is measured. With accurate input parameters, FDS and ThermaKin predicted the pyrolysis behaviour of PBT very well. Only some limitations are identified regarding the residue-forming PBT-GF. Both numerical simulation tools demonstrate a high value regarding the assessment of parameters' relative impacts and thus the evaluation of optimisation routes in polymer and composite development.
An experimental and numerical investigation of the effect of bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate) (BDP) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) on the fire behaviour of bisphenol A polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS) in the vertical UL 94 scenario is presented. Four PC/ABS blends were discussed, which satisfy different UL 94 classifications due to the competing effects of gasification, charring, flame inhibition and melt flow/dripping. For numerical investigation, the particle finite element method (PFEM) is used. Its capability to model the complex fire behaviour of polymers in the UL 94 is analysed. The materials' properties are characterised, in particular the additives impact on the dripping behaviour during thermal exposure. BDP is an efficient plasticiser; adding PTFE prevents dripping by causing a flow limit. PFEM simulations reproduce the dripping and burning behaviour, in particular the competition between gasification and dripping. The thermal impact of both the burner and the flame is approximated taking into account flame inhibition, charring and effective heat of combustion. PFEM is a promising numerical tool for the investigation of the fire behaviour of polymers, particularly when large deformations are involved. Not only the principal phenomena but also the different UL 94 classifications and the extinction times are well predicted.
Wesentlich für das Sicherheitsniveau und damit die nachhaltige Wettbewerbsfähigkeit des Technologiestandortes Deutschland ist der Brandschutz in Industrieanlagen, in Gebäuden und im Transportwesen. Der vorbeugende bauliche Brandschutz hat u. a. das Ziel, die Brand- und Rauchausbreitung im Brandfall für eine gewisse Zeit zu behindern, damit die erforderlichen Lösch- und Rettungsarbeiten durchgeführt werden können. Dies geschieht u.a. durch Anforderungen an die Feuerwiderstandsfähigkeit brandbeanspruchter Bauteile. Der Feuerwiderstand eines Bauteils ist die Fähigkeit während eines angegebenen Zeitraums in einer genormten Feuerwiderstandsprüfung bezüglich mechanischer Stabilität und/oder thermischer Isolierung nicht zu versagen. Reaktive Brandschutzbeschichtungen erhöhen für viele Bauteile sehr effektiv den Feuerwiderstand. Die Beschichtungen und die Brandprüfungen müssen jedoch an die immer komplexeren Anwendungen und/oder extremeren Anforderungen angepasst und weiterentwickelt werden. Aktuelle Forschungsschwerpunkte liegen dabei in der Entwicklung neuer Materialien (z.B. Geopolymere, keramisierende Beschichtungen, silikonbasierte Beschichtungen) für extreme Brandszenarien (extreme Temperaturen, lange Beanspruchungszeiten) und in der Realisierung komplexer Funktionalitäten (komplexe Geometrien, bewegliche Komponenten) sowie in der Entwicklung neuer Testmethoden (Feuerwiderstand als bench-scale Tests, kostengünstiges Screening, Feuerwiderstand in extremen Brandszenarien). Die Entwicklung geht dabei weg von der präskriptiven Bewertung hin zur leistungsorientierten (performance-based) Bewertung in individuellen Brandszenarien oder von komplexen Bauteilen. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit werden Lösungsansätze für die neuen Herausforderungen an die reaktiven Brandschutzsysteme unter Extrembedingungen und deren Testmöglichkeiten vorgestellt und diskutiert. Im Mittelpunkt stehen dabei neu entwickelte bench-scale Testmethoden zum Screening von neuen Beschichtungsmaterialien sowie zur Beurteilung spezieller bzw. materialspezifischer Aspekte des Feuerwiderstands unter Extrembedingungen.
Der steigende Einsatz von Holz-Kunststoff-Verbundwerkstoffen (Wood Plastic Composite, WPC) erfordert das Wissen um seine spezifischen Eigenschaften, insbesondere dem Brand risiko.
Dabei können Flammschutzmittel die Entflammbarkeit, Wärmeabgabe und die Brandausbreitung des Materials verringern.
Deshalb sind der gezielte und effiziente Einsatz und die Kenntnis über die Wirkungsweise der Flammschutzmittel im WPC für den Brandschutz von enormer Bedeutung. Dazu gehört auch die Rauchentwicklung im Brandfall. Rauch beeinflusst aufgrund seiner Toxizität und seiner Sichttrübung die Fluchtmöglichkeit der betroffenen Personen. In der Rauchkammer nach ISO 5659-2 wird die Rauchentwicklung von flachen Werkstoffproben ermittelt. Die Rauchgastoxizität bzw. die Rauchgaszusammensetzung wird mithilfe der FTIR (Fourier Transformierte Infrarot)-Spektroskopie ermittelt. Frei werdende Partikel schädigen die Atemorgane und beeinflussen damit auch die Fluchtfähigkeit von Personen im Brandfall. Aussagen zur Partikelemission können mithilfe eines an die Rauchkammer gekoppelten Partikelanalysators getroffen werden. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurden verschiedene flammgeschützte WPC-Systeme hinsichtlich ihres Rauchverhaltens in der Rauchkammer untersucht. Die Ergebnisse zu emittierten toxischen Gasen, Partikeln und zur Rauchentwicklung werden vorgestellt und in Abhängigkeit von den eingesetzten Flammschutzmitteln im WPC diskutiert.
Flame retarded poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) is required for electronic applications and is mostly achieved by low molar mass additives so far. Three phosphorus-containing polyesters are suggested as halogen-free and polymeric flame retardants for PBT. Flame retardancy was achieved according to cone calorimeter experiments showing that the peak heat release rate and total heat evolved were reduced because of flame inhibition and condensed-phase activity. The presented polymers containing derivatives of 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide form immiscible blend systems with PBT. Shear-rheology shows an increase in storage moduli at low frequencies. This is proposed as quantitative measure for the degree of phase interaction. The phase structure of the blends depends on the chemical structure of the phosphorus polyester and was quite different, depending also on the viscosity ratio between matrix and second phase. A lower viscosity ratio leads to two types of phases with spherical and additionally continuous droplets. Addition of the flame retardants showed no influence on the dielectric properties but on the mechanical behavior. The polymeric flame retardants significantly diminish the impact strength because of several reasons: (1) high brittleness of the phosphorus polyesters themselves, (2) thermodynamic immiscibility, and (3) weak phase adhesion. By adding a copolymer consisting of the two base polymers to the blend, an improvement of impact strength was obtained. The copolymer particularly acts as compatibilizer between the phases and therefore leads to a smaller phase size and to a stronger phase adhesion due to the formation of fibrils.
Flame retardancy for thermoplastics is a challenging task where chemists and engineers work together to find solutions to improve the burning behavior without strongly influencing other key properties of the material. In this work, the halogen-free additives aluminum diethylphosphinate (AlPi-Et) and a mixture of aluminum phosphinate (AlPi) and resorcinol-bis(di-2,6-xylyl phosphate) (AlPi-H + RXP) are employed in neat and reinforced poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT), and the morphology, mechanical performance, rheological behavior, and flammability of these materials are compared. Both additives show submicron dimensions but differ in terms of particle and agglomerate sizes und shapes. The overall mechanical performance of the PBT flame-retarded with AlPi-Et is lower than that with AlPi-H-RXP, due to the presence of larger agglomerates. Moreover, the flow behavior of the AlPi-Et/PBT materials is dramatically changed as the larger rod-like primary particles build a percolation threshold. In terms of flammability, both additives perform similar in the UL 94 test and under forced-flaming combustion. Nevertheless, AlPi-Et performs better than AlPi-H + RXP in the LOI test. The concentration required to achieve acceptable flame retardancy ranges above 15 wt %.