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Paper des Monats
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The main flame retardant modes of action are known, nevertheless in practise the detailed scientific understanding usually falls short, when it comes to modern multicomponent systems, the important tiny optimizations, or quantifying in terms of specific fire properties. The description of the flame retardant modes of action remains usually vague and fragmentary. This talk tries to deliver thought-provoking impulses how the understanding of the fire behaviour and flame retardancy can be utilized to direct the development of future flame retardant polymer products. Some overseen details are picked up as well as rethinking of concepts memorised long ago is encouraged to discover something new. Furthermore, the talk tries to fill the gap between flame retardant modes of action and fire performance constituting a product. This talk promotes the evidence-based development of flame retardant polymers.
The fire behaviour of composites clearly differs in comparison to polymers. Even though fibres and inorganic particles may be inert with respect to pyrolysis, they are clearly not with respect to fire behaviour. They change heat absorption and transfer within the Condensed phase, the melt flow/dripping behaviour of pyrolysing melts, the amount and properties of the fire residue and so on. Flame retardancy concepts tailored to composites are needed. Furthermore tasks that are specific for composites such as the structural integrity in fire get into the focus. Thus understanding of fire behaviour and flame retardancy mechanisms in composites is a key for target-oriented future development. The field is illuminated by Spotlights on different length scales. The examples are taken from different projects carried out in the group of the authors in the recent years. Flame retardancy mechanisms in nanocomposites are discussed, advanced halogen-free flame retardants for carbon and glass fibre composites presented as well as an approach to mechanical intermediate scale testing of carbon fibre composites under fire.
Thermooxidative stability of poly(phenyl-1,4-phenylene vinylene) monitored with chemilumineszenz
(1998)
Multilayer Graphene (MLG), a nanoparticle with a specific surface of BET = 250 m2/g and thus made of only approximately 10 graphene sheets, is proposed as a nanofiller for rubbers. When homogenously dispersed, it works at low loadings enabling the replacement of carbon black (CB), increase in efficiency, or reduction in filler concentration. Actually the appropriate preparation yielded nanocomposites in which just 3 phr are sufficient to significantly improve the rheological, curing and mechanical properties of different rubbers, as shown for Chlorine-Isobutylene-Isoprene Rubber (CIIR), Nitrile-Butadiene Rubber (NBR), Natural Rubber (NR), and Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR). A mere 3 phr of MLG tripled the Young’s modulus of CIIR, an effect equivalent to 20 phr of carbon black. Similar equivalents are observed for MLG/CB mixtures. MLG reduces gas permeability, increases thermal and electrical conductivities, and retards fire behavior. The later shown by the reduction in heat release rate in the cone calorimeter. The higher the nanofiller concentration is (3 phr, 5 phr, and 10 phr was investigated), the greater the improvement in the properties of the nanocomposites. Moreover, the MLG nanocomposites improve stability of mechanical properties against weathering. An increase in UV-absorption as well as a pronounced radical scavenging are proposed and were proved experimentally. To sum up, MLG is interesting as a multifunctional nanofiller and seems to be quite ready for rubber development.
Eyewitnesses describe burning pavement surfaces in extreme fire scenarios. However, it was believed that the pavement plays a negligible role in comparison to other items feeding such an extreme fire at the same time. The asphalt mixtures used differ widely, thus raising the question as to whether this conclusion holds for all kinds of such materials. Three different kinds of asphalt mixtures were investigated with the aim of benchmarking the fire risks. Cone calorimeter tests are performed at an irradiance of 70kWm-2. All three investigated asphalts burn in extreme fire scenarios. The fire response (fire load, time to ignition, maximum heat release rate and smoke production) is quite different and varies by factors of up to 10 when compared to each other. The fire load per mass is always very low due to the high content of inert minerals, whereas the effective heat of combustion of the volatiles is quite typical of non-flame retarded organics. The heat release rate and fire growth indices are strongly dependent on the fire residue and thus the kind of mineral filler used. Comparing with polymeric materials, the investigated Mastic Asphalt and Stone Mastic Asphalt may be called intrinsically flame resistant, whereas the investigated Special Asphalt showed a pronouncedly greater fire risk with respect to causing fire growth and smoke. Thus the question is raised as to whether the use of certain kinds of asphalts in tunnels must be reconsidered. Apart from the binder used, the study also indicates varying the kind of aggregate as a possible route to eliminate the problem.
The pyrolysis of an epoxy resin and the fire behavior of corresponding carbon fiber-reinforced composites, both flame-retarded with either 10-ethyl-9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene 10-oxide or 1,3,5-tris[2-(9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene 10-oxide-10-)ethyl]1, 3,5-triazine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione, are investigated. The different fire retardancy mechanisms are discussed, and their influence on the fire properties assessed, in particular for flammability (limiting oxygen index, UL 94) and developing fires (cone calorimeter with different external heat fluxes of 35, 50, and 70 kW m-2). Adding the flame retardants containing 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide affects the fire behavior by both condensed phase and gas phase mechanisms. Interactions between the additives and the epoxy resin result in a change in the decomposition pathways and an increased char formation. The release of phosphorous products results in significant flame inhibition. The fire properties achieved are thus interesting with respect to industrial exploration.
The exploration of condensed phase mechanisms such as charring and intumescence has been pushed forward in the last decades, since it is believed that focusing on these concepts will bring materials closer to an efficient and ecologically friendly fire retardancy. They promise to concentrate efficient fire retardancy at the key position between pyrolysis zone and gas phase. Examples of residue/char forming and intumescent materials are used to illustrate the influence of mass and heat barrier effects on the fire behavior of materials and general results are presented. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms and structure-property relationships in fire retardancy is presented.
The cone calorimeter has become one of the most important and widely used instruments for the research and development of fire retarded polymeric materials. The paper addresses three important ways in which the principal setup influences the results factors which sometimes do not receive due consideration when drawing conclusions. The paper discusses in detail the impact on cone calorimeter results of the choice of external heat flux, the influence on the peak of heat release rate of sample thickness and thermal feedback from the back of the sample, and the influence on irradiance of the horizontal and vertical distances from the cone heater.
Barrier formation and increasing the melt viscosity are addressed as the two main general fire retardancy mechanisms of polymer nanocomposites. They result in specific impacts on fire properties that consequentially cause varying flame retardancy efficiency in different fire tests. The barrier formation retards mainly flame spread (peak of heat release rate) in developing fires, but does not reduce fire load (total heat evolved), ignitability or flammability (limiting oxygen index, UL 94). Furthermore, this flame retardancy effect increases with increasing irradiation and vanishes with decreasing irradiation. The increased melt viscosity prevents dripping, which is beneficial or disadvantageous depending on the fire test used. In some test, it become the dominant influence, transforming self-extinguishing samples into flammable materials or causing wicking. Advantages and the limits are sketched comprehensively for exploiting the main general fire retardancy mechanisms of polymer nanocomposites. It is concluded that barrier formation and changing the melt viscosity in nanocomposites are not sufficient for most applications, but must be accompanied by additional mechanisms in special systems or in combination with other flame retardants.
Most of the polymeric materials used are easy to ignite and show extensive flame spread along their surfaces. Apart from extensive heat release rates, their short time to ignition (tig), in particular, is a key fire hazard. Preventing ignition eliminates fire hazards completely. Protection layers that shift tig by more than an order of magnitude are powerful flame retardancy approaches presenting an alternative to the usual flame retardancy concepts.
Coatings are proposed that consist of a three-layer system to ensure adhesion to the substrate, acting as an infrared (IR) mirror and protecting against oxidation. The IR-mirror layer stack is realised by physical vapour deposition in the sub-micrometre (<1 µm) range, reducing heat absorption by up to an order of magnitude. Not only is the ease of ignition diminished (tig is increased by several minutes), the flame spread and fire growth indices are also remarkably reduced to as little as 1/10 of the values of the uncoated polymers open for further optimization. Sub-micrometre thin IR-mirror coatings yielding surface absorptivity <0.1 are proposed as a novel and innovative flame retardancy approach.
Flame retardancy mechanisms of aluminium phosphinate in glass fiber reinforced thermoplastics
(2008)
Bench scale performance based cone calorimeter investigations were conducted on glass fibre reinforced polyamide 66 (PA-66) and high impact polystyrene (HIPS) materials. Red phosphorus and magnesium hydroxide were used as fire retardants. Dilution, heat sink, barrier and charring mechanisms are considered to be active in the condensed phase. Dilution, cooling and flame poisoning mechanisms are discussed for the gas phase. Cone calorimeter data are used to give a comprehensive fire behaviour assessment in terms of the propensity to cause a quick growing fire and of the propensity to cause a fire of long duration. The external heat flux is varied between 30 and 75 kW/m2 so that the results for combustion behaviour and flame retardancy, respectively, are valid for different fire scenarios and fire tests. Results on the intrinsic contribution of the steady heat release rate per unit area reveal information about the flammability behaviour. UL 94 results are predicted in close correspondence to UL 94 experiments.
Highly soluble 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide-(DOPO)-based diamino hardener (2), bearing its amino groups directly on the DOPO framework, is investigated with respect to its use as a reactive flame retardant in thermosets. A mechanism for decomposition of the corresponding phosphorus-modified epoxy resin system based on a diglycidylether of bisphenol A DGEBA and 2 (DGEBA/2) is proposed and compared to the systems using DGEBA and 4,4'-diaminodiphenylsulfon (DGEBA/DDS) and to a similar system based on the structurally comparable non-reactive DOPO-based compound (DGEBA/DDS/1). Additive 1 changed the decomposition characteristics of the epoxy resin only slightly and phosphorus was released. Incorporating 2 induces two-step decomposition and most of the phosphorus remains in the residue. Furthermore, the fire behaviour of neat epoxy resin systems and a representative carbon fibre-reinforced composite based on DGEBA, DDS and 2 (DGEBA/DDS/2) were examined and compared to that of the analogous composite systems based on DGEBA/DDS and DGEBA/DDS/1. Based on different flame retardancy mechanisms both the reactive compound 2 and the additive compound 1 improve flammability (increase in LOI >13% and achieving V-1 behaviour) of the epoxy resin and composites. Under forced flaming only the flame inhibition of the additive compound 1 acts sufficiently. Lastly, the superior key mechanical properties of the epoxy resin and composite based on 2 are sketched.
Nanocomposites of bisphenol A polycarbonate with 2, 4, 6, and 15 wt% multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNT) and their use in fire retardancy are investigated. Their thermal behavior and pyrolysis are characterized using thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimeter, oscillatory shear rheology, and dynamic mechanical analysis. The flammability is addressed using LOI and UL 94; the fire behavior, with a cone calorimeter using different irradiation. With increasing MWNT content the storage modulus is increased (10-20%) and melt viscosity increases by several orders of magnitude, particularly for low shear rates. The melt flow, dripping, and deformation during fire are hindered, which influences UL 94 and cone calorimeter results. The peak heat release rate is reduced up to 40-50% due to an improved barrier for small amounts (2 wt%) of MWNT and for low irradiation, whereas the effect is reduced for increasing irradiation and nearly vanishes for increasing filling. Adjuvant but also deleterious mechanisms result in the complex dependency on the MWNT content. Significant flame retardancy effects are specific and limited to only some fire properties. This study allows the materials' potential for implementation in different fire scenarios and tests to be assessed and provides insight into active mechanisms.
A comprehensive characterization of the thermal and the fire behaviour is presented for polypropylene (PP) flax compounds containing ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and expandable graphite as fire retardants. Thermogravimetry coupled with an evolved gas analysis (TG-FTIR) was performed to ensure a significant thermal analysis. The fire response under forced flaming conditions was studied using a cone calorimeter. The external heat flux was varied between 30 and 70 kW m-2 so that the results could be evaluated for different fire scenarios and tests. Different flammability tests (UL 94, limiting oxygen index, glow wire test, GMI 60261) were performed and the results compared with the cone calorimeter data. The different char forming mechanisms are described and the resulting fire retardancy is classified. The successful and ecological friendly fire retardancy is a technological breakthrough for PP/flax biocomposites.
Photo- and thermo-oxidative stability of aromatic spiro-linked bichromophoric cross-shaped molecules
(2000)
An extensive investigation of the photostability and the thermo-oxidative stability is presented for 2,2,7,7-tetrakis(biphenyl-4-yl)-9,9-spirobifluorene and 2,2,4,4,7,7-hexakis(biphenyl-4-yl)-9,9-spirobifluorene. Both compounds are conjugated fully aromatic systems that are being discussed as active functional materials for a variety of advanced applications. The effect of atmosphere, sample thickness and preparation procedure on photo-oxidative degradation are investigated in detail by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Distinct mechanisms are described in terms of relevant parameters such as the quantum yields of the photo-oxidation and the fluorescence. No oxidative degradation could be detected under nitrogen. In ambient air a strong decrease of the fluorescence performance is found due to effective quenching by defective chromophores. Chemiluminescence investigations were performed to characterise the thermo-oxidative behaviour in the temperature region between 300 and 450 K. It becomes clear that even a stable chemical structure such as the investigated aromatic system does not guarantee sufficient photostability with regard to light emitting properties.
About this Journal
Multilayer Graphene (MLG), a nanoparticle with a specific surface of BET = 250 m²/g and thus made of only approximately 10 graphene sheets, is proposed as a nanofiller for rubbers. When homogenously dispersed, it works at low loadings enabling the replacement of carbon black (CB), increase in efficiency, or reduction in filler concentration. Actually the appropriate preparation yielded nanocomposites in which just 3 phr are sufficient to significantly improve the rheological, curing and mechanical properties of different rubbers, as shown for Chlorine-Isobutylene-Isoprene Rubber (CIIR), Nitrile-Butadiene Rubber (NBR), Natural Rubber (NR), and Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR). A mere 3 phr of MLG tripled the Young’s modulus of CIIR, an effect equivalent to 20 phr of carbon black. Similar equivalents are observed for MLG/CB mixtures. MLG reduces gas permeability, increases thermal and electrical conductivities, and retards fire behavior. The later shown by the reduction in heat release rate in the cone calorimeter. The higher the nanofiller concentration is (3 phr, 5 phr, and 10 phr was investigated), the greater the improvement in the properties of the nanocomposites. Moreover, the MLG nanocomposites improve stability of mechanical properties against weathering. An increase in UV-absorption as well as a pronounced radical scavenging are proposed and were proved experimentally. To sum up, MLG is interesting as a multifunctional nanofiller and seems to be quite ready for rubber development.
Polyurethanes (PU) represent one of the most versatile classes of plastics. They are processed and used as thermoplastic, elastomer, and thermoset. The requirements regarding flammability are correspondingly versatile. Depending on the material and the field of application, specific fire tests have to be fulfilled. This paper describes the different concepts used to fulfil these requirements by choosing the right raw materials and flame retardants.
Polyurethane (PU) bilden eine der vielseitigsten Klassen der Polymerwerkstoffe. Kein anderer Kunststoff wird sowohl als Thermoplast, als Elastomer wie auch als Duroplast verarbeitet und eingesetzt. Entsprechend vielfältig sind auch die Anforderungen an den Flammschutz. Je nach Material und Anwendung müssen spezifische Brandnormen erfüllt werden. Der vorliegende Aufsatz gibt einen Überblick über die verfügbaren Ansätze, um durch geeignete Auswahl der Rohstoffe und der Flammschutzmittel diese verschiedensten Anforderungen an das Brandverhalten zu erfüllen.
Conjugated polymers based on 1,4-phenylenevinylene units are very promising materials for applications as light-emitting diodes. A major requirement is their stability at elevated temperatures of operation. The thermo-oxidative behaviour of a soluble poly(1,4-phenylenevinylene) derivative, poly[2,5-bis(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene], was investigated by using chemiluminescence and UVVis absorption spectroscopy. Extremely sensitive chemiluminescence is successfully applied since even minor chemical changes could lead to a considerable loss of photo- and electro-optical properties. Various degradation processes are described as a function of time and temperature and their influences on functional properties are discussed. The investigated material does not show sufficient thermo-oxidative stability within the temperature range of intended use in contact with air. For industrial application, direct contact with oxygen during processing and operation has to be avoided.
There is little consensus within the fire science community on interpretation of cone calorimeter data, but there is a significant need to screen new flammability modified materials using the cone calorimeter. This article is the result of several discussions aiming to provide guidance in the use and interpretation of cone calorimetry for those directly involved with such measurements. This guidance is essentially empirical, and is not intended to replace the comprehensive scientific studies that already exist. The guidance discusses the fire scenario with respect to applied heat flux, length scale, temperature, ventilation, anaerobic pyrolysis and set-up represented by the cone calorimeter. The fire properties measured in the cone calorimeter are discussed, including heat release rate and its peak, the mass loss and char yield, effective heat of combustion and combustion efficiency, time to ignition and CO and smoke production together with deduced quantities such as FIGRA and MARHE. Special comments are made on the use of the cone calorimeter relating to sample thickness, textiles, foams and intumescent materials, and the distance of the cone heater from the sample surface. Finally, the relationship between cone calorimetry data and other tests is discussed.
Assessing the structural integrity of carbon-fibre sandwich panels in fire: Bench-scale approach
(2019)
The fire resistance of lightweight sandwich panels (SW) with carbon fibre/epoxy skins and a poly(methacryl imide) (PMI) foam core is investigated in compression under direct application of a severe flame (heat flux=200 kW m−2). A bench-scale test procedure was used, with the sample held vertically. The epoxy decomposition temperature was quickly exceeded, with rapid flash-over and progressive core softening and decomposition.
There is a change in failure mode depending on whether the load is greater or less than 50% of the unexposed failure load, or in other words if one or two skins carry the load. At high loads, failure involved both skins with a single clear linear separation across each face. There is an inflection in the failure time relationship in the ∼50% load region, corresponding to the time taken for heat to be transmitted to the rear face, along with a change in the rear skin failure mode from separation to the formation of a plastic hinge. The integrity of the carbon front face, even with the resin burnt out, and the low thermal diffusivity of the core, both play key roles in prolonging rear face integrity, something to be borne in mind for future panel design. Intumescent coatings prolong the period before failure occurs. The ratio of times to failure with and without protection is proposed as a measure of their effectiveness. Apart from insulation properties, their adhesion and stability under severe fire impact play a key role.
Flame retarded polymeric materials are used in various applications in which a certain fire behavior is demanded. Protection goals are defined, such as limited flammability in terms of hindered sustained ignition or limited contribution to a fire, and these protection levels are tested with defined specimens or components in defined fire scenarios, that is to say, different fire tests. Passing a specific fire test by meeting whatever its demands is often the most important development goal, so the parameters of the different fire tests vary widely to emphasize different fire properties. Some fire tests are used to screen or provide a general assessment of flame retardant polymers during development, while other fire tests and tailored experiments are performed to address special phenomena or understand the flame retardancy modes of action. For all fire testing, the devil is in the details – demanding know-how and crucial efforts to manage the quality of investigations and advanced interpretation. This chapter aims to offer a structured overview of all these aspects.
Phosphonium-modified layered silicate epoxy resin nanocomposites were evaluated by testing the thermal/thermo-mechanical properties [differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), torsional pendulum, Sharpy toughness], flammability (limiting oxygen index LOI) and fire behavior (cone calorimeter with different irradiations). The morphology of the composites was determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The drying conditions of phosphonium-modified layered silicate were varied in order to improve the nanocomposite formation and properties. The results were compared with using a commercial ammonium-modified montmorillonite. Enhanced nanocomposite formation was found for the commercial systems due to the amount of excess surfactant, but this effect was overcompensated through the advanced morphology of the phosphonium-modified systems. Several fire retardancy mechanisms and their specific influence on the different fire properties, such as ignitability, flammability, flame spread, total heat release (fire load), and the production of CO and smoke were discussed comprehensively. The main mechanism of layered silicate is a barrier formation influencing the flame spread in developing fires. Several minor mechanisms are significant, but important fire properties such as flammability or fire load are hardly influenced. Hence combinations with aluminum hydroxide and organo-phosphorus flame retardants were evaluated. The combination with aluminum hydroxide was a promising approach since it shows superposition in properties such as the fire load and only in some properties very little antagonism. The combination with an organo-phosphorus flame retardant disillusions, since it was characterized mainly by antagonism.
The excitation energy transfer (EET) of a bichromophoric cross-shaped molecule was investigated by stationary polarized fluorescence spectroscopy in the solid state. For this purpose 2,2[prime],7,7[prime]-tetrakis(biphenyl-4-yl)-9,9[prime]-spirobifluorene was embedded in a polymeric bisphenol-A-polycarbonate (PC) matrix. The dependence of the fluorescence on concentration and wavelength was determined. The role of the intermolecular and intramolecular EET is dealt with separately and discussed by means of the degree of polarization. The intermolecular excitation energy transfer is described in terms of a Förster transfer mechanism. The intramolecular transfer is prevented for the zero-point vibrational levels by the molecular cross-shaped structure, but is found for a wide range of wavelength, presumably based on vibrationally excited states.
The thermo-oxidative degradation of a polymeric optical cable is investigated by chemiluminescence, The results are reliable and reproducible. Two distinct processes are reported marked by a peak and a plateau behavior versus the time, respectively. Both processes are ruled by thermally activated processes. Beside the dependencies of temperature and time, the influence of absorbed water is discussed. Chemiluminescence is proposed as a promising candidate for a suitable testing method assessing the thermo-oxidative stability of plastic optical fibers and cables. it requires not more than a simple one-day testing procedure and has the advantage that it can be carried out even within the lo cv temperature ranges of the cables' intended use.
Thermogravimetry (TG), thermogravimetry coupled with mass spectroscopy (TG-MS) and thermogravimetry coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR) were used to characterise the thermo-oxidative behaviour of two intumescent coating materials. The temperature dependence, the corresponding volatile products and the amount of residue of the different processes were determined. Using both TG-MS and TG-FTIR results in an unambiguous interpretation of the volatile products. Characteristics such as the influence of endothermic reactions, the release of non-flammable gases, the dehydrogenation enhancing the char formation and the stability of the cellular char were discussed in detail. It was demonstrated, that TG, TG-MS and TG-FTIR are powerful methods to investigate mechanisms in intumescent coatings and that they are suitable methods in respect to quality assurance and unambiguous identification of such materials.
On the thermal behaviour and thermo-oxidative stability of liquid crystalline triphenylene compounds
(1999)
Columnar discotic materials are considered for applications in the area of photoconductivity and light-emitting diodes. A major requirement is their stability at elevated temperatures and in the presence of oxygen. The thermal and thermo-oxidative behaviour of discotic triphenylene derivatives was investigated by us using various methods, in particular by chemiluminescence (CL), UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and in situ thermogravimetry-mass spectroscopy (TG-MS). Various degradation processes are described for increasing temperature, and their influences on functional properties are discussed.
The thermal degradation and the combustion behavior of glass fiber-reinforced PA 66 materials containing red phosphorus were investigated. Thermogravimetry (TG), TG coupled with FTIR, and TG coupled with mass spectroscopy were used to investigate the thermal decomposition. The flame retardant red phosphorus was investigated with respect to the decomposition kinetics and the release of volatile products. The combustion behavior was characterized using a cone calorimeter. Fire risks and fire hazards were monitored versus external heat fluxes between 30 and 75 kW/m2. Red phosphorus acts in the solid phase and its efficiency depends on the external heat flux. The use of red phosphorus results in an increased amount of residue and in a corresponding decrease in total heat release. The decrease of the mass loss rate peak results in a corresponding decrease of the peak heat release. With increasing external heat flux applied the first effect on the total heat release decreases linearly, whereas the second effect on the peak heat release expands linearly. The investigation provides insight into the mechanisms of how the fire retardant PA 66 is achieved by red phosphorus controlling the degradation kinetics. Taking into account that a decrease of the volatile products also leads to a decrease of heat production in the flame zone and that the char acts as heat transfer barrier, a reduced pyrolysis temperature is suggested as a further feedback effect.
The flame retardant effect of zinc sulphide (ZnS) in plasticised poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-P) materials was investigated. PVC-P containing different combinations of additives such as 5% ZnS, 5% of antimony oxide (Sb2O3) and 5% of mixtures based on Sb2O3 and ZnS were compared. The thermal degradation and the combustion behaviour were studied using thermogravimetry (TG), coupled with FTIR (TG-FTIR) or with mass spectroscopy (TG-MS), and a cone calorimeter, respectively. A detailed and unambiguous understanding of the decomposition and release of the pyrolysis products was obtained using both TG-MS and TG-FTIR. The influence of ZnS, Sb2O3 and the corresponding mixtures on the thermal decomposition of PVC-P was demonstrated. Synergism was observed for the combination of the two additives. The combustion behaviour (time to ignition, heat release, smoke production, mass loss, CO production) was monitored versus external heat fluxes between 30 and 75 kW m-2 with the cone calorimeter. Adding 5% of ZnS has no significant influence on the fire behaviour of PVC-P materials beyond a dilution effect, whereas Sb2O3 works as an effective fire retardant. Synergism of ZnS and Sb2O3 allows the possibility of replacing half of Sb2O3 by ZnS to reach equivalent fire retardancy.
Communication: Fire retardant coatings are deposited on polyamide-66 using plasma polymerisation. Chemical composition and thickness of deposits are adjusted varying the plasma treatment based on hexamethydisiloxane mixed with oxygen. The fire retardancy performances are evaluated using a cone calorimeter. The correlation between fire retardancy and thickness as well as chemical composition is discussed.
The pyrolysis combustion flow calorimeter (PCFC) as a tool for assessing the flammability of a polycarbonate (bisphenol A)/acrylonitrilebutadienestyrene (PC/ABS) blend containing different flame retardants and additives was investigated. Strategies are proposed for analysing multi-step decomposition. The heat release capacity (HRC) and total heat release (HR), obtained by PCFC, are related to the char yield and the heat of complete combustion of the volatiles. Physical affects such as dripping, wicking, and sample thickness are not described, nor are chemical effects such as flame inhibition because pyrolysis and combustion are forced to completion on a small (milligram) sample. Varying the combustion temperature or oxygen concentration results in incomplete combustion as occuring in real fires. The correlations with flammability (UL 94, LOI) and forced flaming combustion in a cone calorimeter are discussed. The best correlation is found between HR and LOI. Reasonable correlation exists between HRC and char residue with the LOI and for HRC and HR with peak heat release rate (pHRR) in the cone calorimeter. Combining results from PCFC with those from oxygen bomb or cone calorimeter tests yields an additional understanding of fire behaviour.
Condensed-phase mechanisms play a major role in fire-retardant polymers. Generations of development have followed the concept of charring to improve fire properties. Whereas the principal reactions are believed to be known, the specific description for multicomponent systems is lacking, as is the picture across different systems. A two-step approach is proposed in general, and also presented in greater detail. The second step covers the specific reactions controlling charring, whereas the actual reactants are provided in the preceding step. This model consistently incorporates the variety of structureproperty relationships reported. A comprehensive case study is presented on seven phosphorus flame retardants in two epoxy resins to breathe life into the two-step approach.
Nanocomposites of polyamide 6 with 5 wt.% multiwall carbon nanotubes are investigated to clarify their potential as regards the fire retardancy of polymers. The nanocomposites are investigated using SEM, electrical resistivity, and oscillatory shear rheology. The pyrolysis is characterized using thermal analysis. The fire behaviour is investigated with a cone calorimeter using different external heat fluxes, by means of the limiting oxygen index and the UL 94 classification. The fire residue is characterized using SEM. The comprehensive fire behaviour characterization not only allows the materials potential for implementation in different fire scenarios and fire tests to be assessed, but also provides detailed insight into the active mechanisms. The increased melt viscosity of the nanocomposites and the fibre-network character of the nanofiller are the dominant mechanisms influencing fire performance. The changes are found to be adjuvant with respect to forced flaming conditions in the cone calorimeter, but also deleterious in terms of flammability.
Pyrolysis, flammability, fire behavior, melt viscosity, and gas diffusion of bisphenol A polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC/ABS) were investigated, with bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate) (BDP), with 10 wt.% talc and with BDP in combination with 5, 10 and 20 wt.% talc, respectively. Compared to PC/ABS, PC/ABS + BDP results in an increased decomposition temperature of PC, a higher char yield, a significantly increased LOI, a V-0 classification in UL 94, a reduced peak heat release rate (pHRR), and a reduced total heat release (THR) in the cone calorimeter. This efficient flame retardancy is due to mechanisms in both the gas and condensed phases. PC/ABS + 10 wt.% talc shows a decrease in the PC decomposition temperature. The fire behavior is improved in part compared to PC/ABS, with an increased LOI and reduced pHRR. PC/ABS + BDP + 10 wt.% talc shows a strong synergism in LOI, a V-0 classification, and a decrease in pHRR, whereas THR is slightly increased compared to PC/ABS + BDP. Talc decreases the gas diffusion and enhances the flow limit for low shear rates, both of which influence the pyrolysis and flammability results. Further, talc improves the protection properties of the fire residues. Nevertheless it also partly suppresses flame inhibition and the charring effect of BDP. The synergism between BDP and talc in LOI is obtained even for low talc loadings in PC/ABS + BDP + talc, whereas for higher loadings saturation is observed.
Low amounts (<7.5 wt%) of organically modified layered silicate (LS) as well as large amounts (>10 wt%) of spherical amorphous SiO2 (sSiO2) has been used successfully as adjuvants in commercial polymeric materials flame retarded with metal hydroxide. The combination of LS and SiO2 is investigated in different thermoplastics with respect to their fire behavior, particular to overcome the restrictions in maximum and minimum filler contents know for the single additives. The aim was to check the potential of combinations of the inert fillers in absence of a real fire retardant. The combination of LS and sSiO2 harbors the potential for flame retardancy effects close to superposition or even synergy, due to an improved structure of the fire residue. LS-sSiO2 combinations are proposed to work as adjuvants superior to LS and sSiO2 in flame retarded polymeric materials.
Intermediate-scale testing is indispensable when investigating the fire resistance under simultaneous compressive load of components made of glass- and carbon-fibre-reinforced composites (GFRP and CFRP). BAM is successfully operating an intermediate-scale test stand, developed for a specimen size of 500 mm x 500 mm (1000 mm). The fire resistance in terms of fire stability of CFRP and GFRP sandwiches are investigated, e.g. at 20 % of their compressive failure load at room temperature. Times to failure increase by up to a factor of 4 due to intumescent coatings. For GFRP sandwiches, different core structures with and without additional flame retardants show an astonishing impact on time to failure. CFRP shell structures are investigated on the intermediate scale with and without stringer reinforcements, resulting in completely different mechanical failure behaviour in the ultimate load test as opposed to the fire resistance test. The stringers become the only load-carrying part, while the shell acts as a protective layer. Thus the design exploiting this self-protection potential, i.e. the residue of the front skin protecting the load-bearing structure, is highlighted as a most promising route to enhance the fire resistance of lightweight materials.
Polarized fluorescence and orientational order parameters of a liquid crystalline conjugated polymer
(1999)
Polarized fluorescence and orientational order parameters of a liquid-crystalline conjugated polymer
(1999)
We report a study of the orientational order of aligned thin films of the liquid crystalline conjugated polymer poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene). Steady state polarized fluorescence measurements were used to determine the orientational order parameter <P2> and <P4>. The influence of intermolecular and intramolecular excitation energy transfer on the degree of polarization is discussed. The role of film morphology is also examined by comparison of the results for glassy and crystalline films.
On the basis of two examples, temperature measurements are proposed within burning polymer specimen during the cone calorimeter test; especially to gain deeper insight into the actual pyrolysis conditions and flame retardancy mechanism. The heating and pyrolysis within a poly(methyl methacrylate) specimen were characterized, discussing the characteristic maximum heating rates (165-90°Cmin-1 decreasing with depth within the specimen and >275°Cmin-1 at the initial surface), pyrolysis temperature (454-432°C decreasing in accordance with decreasing heating rates), thickness of the pyrolysis zone (0.5-1.3 mm) and its velocity (1.2-2.1 mm min-1) as a function of sample depth and burning time. Thermally thick behaviour corresponds to a pyrolysis zone thickness of 0.74 mm and a velocity of 1.51 mm min-1 and occurs until the remaining specimen thickness is less than 8 mm. The shielding effect against radiation occurring in a layered silicate epoxy resin nanocomposite was investigated. It is the main flame retardancy effect of the silicate-carbon surface layer formed under fire. The reradiation from the hot surface is increased by a factor of around 4-5 when an irradiance of 70kWm-2 is applied. The energy impact into the pyrolysis zone is crucially reduced, resulting in a reduction of fuel production and thus heat release rate.
The pyrolysis and flammability of phosphonium-modified layered silicate epoxy resin nanocomposites (EP/LS) were evaluated when LS was combined with two flame retardants, melamine borate (MB) and ammonium polyphosphate (APP), that also act via a surface protection layer. Thermogravimetry (TG), TG coupled with Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (TG-FTIR), oxygen index (LOI), UL 94 burning chamber (UL 94) and cone calorimeter were used. The glassy coating because of 10 wt % MB during combustion showed effects in the cone calorimeter test similar to nanodispersed LS, and somewhat better flame retardancy in flammability tests, such as LOI and UL 94. Adding APP to EP resulted in intumescent systems. The fire retardancy was particularly convincing when 15 wt % APP was used, especially for low external heat flux, and thus, also in flammability tests like LOI and UL 94. V0 classification is achieved when 15 wt % APP is used in EP. The flame retardancy efficiency of the protection layers formed does not increase linearly with the MB and APP concentrations used. The combination of LS with MB or APP shows antagonism; thus the performance of the combination of LS with MB or APP, respectively, was disappointing. No optimization of the carbonaceous-inorganic surface layer occurred for LS-MB. Combining LS with APP inhibited the intumescence, most probably through an increase in viscosity clearly above the value needed for intumescent behavior.
Layered silicate epoxy nanocomposites: formation of the inorganic-carbonaceous fire protection layer
(2011)
The layered silicate (LS) modification and processing parameters applied control the morphology of the LS/polymer composites. Here, increasing the surface area of the LS particles by using alternative drying processes increases dispersion towards a more typical nanocomposite morphology, which is a basic requirement for promising flame retardancy. Nevertheless, the morphology at room temperature does not act itself with respect to flame retardancy, but serves as a prerequisite for the formation of an efficient surface protection layer during pyrolysis. The formation of this residue layer was addressed experimentally for the actual pyrolysis region of a burning nanocomposite and thus our results are valid without any assumptions or compromises on the time period, dimension, surrounding atmosphere or temperature. The formation of the inorganic-carbonaceous residue is influenced by bubbling, migration, reorientation, agglomeration, ablation, and perhaps also delamination induced thermally and by decomposition, whereas true sintering of the inorganic particles was ruled out as an important mechanism. Multiple, quite different mechanisms are relevant during the formation of the residue, and the importance of each mechanism probably differs from one nanocomposite system to another. The main fire protection effect of the surface layer in polymer nanocomposites based on non-charring or nearly non-charring polymers is the increase in surface temperature, resulting in a substantial increase in reradiated heat flux (heat shielding).
The usage of concepts in scientific communication is critical to our ability to inform the reader about work that has been performed. The significance and thus the quality of scientific discussion rely on the precise use of concepts. In this second part of a two-part paper, concerning the scientific basis of polymer fire retardancy, the proper use of concepts is addressed. Distinct concepts in flame retardancy are discussed, such as fire residue, the correlation of fire performance with char yield according to van Krevelen, catalysis, and wicking. Synergy is discussed in detail, as well as approaches to quantify it, due to its importance for flame retardant polymers. The preceding first paper (part 1) discussed the proper use of scientific terms, thermal analysis, and fire testing. Thus, together these two papers support the community by offering recommendations and addressing some of the most relevant points. They encourage to review scientific practice in the field of flame retardancy of polymers.
The correct use of scientific terms, performing experiments accurately, and discussing data using unequivocal scientific concepts constitute the basis for good scientific practice. The significance and thus the quality of scientific communication rely on the proper use of terms and methods. It is the aim of this two-part article to support the community with recommendations for discussing the flame retardancy of polymers by addressing some of the most relevant points. The first article (part one of two) clarifies some scientific terms and, in some cases, such as for ‘‘pyrolysis,’’ ‘‘thermal decomposition,’’ and ‘‘fire resistance,’’ critically discusses their definitions in the field of fire science. Several comments are made on proper fire testing and thermal analysis, including some thoughts on uncertainty in fire testing. The proper use of distinct concepts in flame retardancy is discussed briefly in the subsequent second article (part two). This article tries to Balance imparting background on the subject with recommendations. It encourages to check scientific practice with respect to communication and applying methods.
Im Rahmen des Forschungsprojektes IGF 20470N wurden Untersuchungen zum Alterungsverhalten von reaktiven Brandschutzsystemen (RBS) auf Stahlbauteilen durchgeführt. Mithilfe der Ergebnisse einer umfangreichen Literaturrecherche sowie experimentellen und numerischen Untersuchungen sollte ein Vorschlag für ein Prüfkonzept zum Nachweis einer Nutzungsdauer von RBS von mehr als 10 Jahren auf Basis von Kurzzeitversuchen abgeleitet werden. Dabei setzt die Bewertung des Alterungsverhaltens von RBS voraus, dass die Mechanismen der Alterung hinreichend bekannt sind.
Dafür wurden zunächst systematisch Daten von Kurz- und Langzeitversuchen von nationalen Zulassungsprüfungen der letzten Jahrzehnte ausgewertet. Anschließend wurden umfangreiche experimentelle Untersuchungen an einer wasserbasierten sowie einer epoxidharzbasierten Richtrezeptur durchgeführt. Da aus der Literatur bekannt ist, dass die Einflüsse der Bewitterung zu einer Veränderung der Konzentration der Bestandteile innerhalb der Beschichtung führen können, wurden Untersuchungen mit Mangelrezepturen durchgeführt, wobei systematisch einzelne Bestandteile reduziert wurden. Neben optischen Untersuchungen wurden thermoanalytische Verfahren (DSC-TG-, ATR-FTIR-, Elementar-, Farbanalyse) angewandt sowie Brandversuche an beschichteten Stahlplatten durchgeführt. Des Weiteren wurden die Richtrezepturen den beschleunigten Kurzzeitversuchen gemäß EAD 350402-00-1106 (2017) unterzogen, welche die Zulassung von Produkten auf europäischer Ebene regelt. Für die wasserbasierte Richtrezeptur wurden die Bewitterung für den feuchten Innenraum (Typ Z1) mehrfach wiederholt (1x, 3x, 6x). Für die epoxidharzbasierte Richtrezeptur entsprach die Bewitterung dem Zyklus für die Außenanwendung (Typ X). In Brandversuchen sowie thermoanalytischen und optischen Untersuchungen wurde das Alterungsverhalten sowie die thermische Schutzwirkung analysiert.
Anschließend wurden numerische Simulationen von Stahlbauteilen mit gealterten RBS durchgeführt und anhand der experimentellen Untersuchungen validiert. Mithilfe der numerischen Modelle kann eine Bewertung der thermischen Schutzwirkung von Stahlbauteilen mit gealterten RBS vorgenommen werden.
Mithilfe der gesammelten Erkenntnisse wurde ein Vorschlag für ein Prüfkonzept für den Nachweis einer Nutzungsdauer von mehr als 10 Jahren abgeleitet. Das Prüfkonzept besteht dabei aus einem Katalog von Möglichkeiten, die aktuellen Zulassungsprüfungen auf europäischer Ebene für eine Nutzungsdauer von 10 Jahren auf einen längeren Zeitraum zu erweitern.
Hydroliquefaction is a possible pathway to produce liquid transportation fuels from solid feedstocks like coal or biomass. Though much effort has been put into the investigation of maximizing the oil yield using expensive catalysts and pasting oils in batch setups, little is known about how to commercialize the process. This work aims at the demonstration of lignin hydroliquefaction under conditions interesting for commercial operation. The results from hydroliquefaction experiments of two different lignin types using a cheap iron-based catalyst and anthracene oil as the pasting oil in a semibatch system are presented here. Oil yields of above 50% are reached without observing coke formation. Extensive analyses of the feedstocks and product oils were performed. The process supplies high-quality oil, while differences in the decomposition path of both lignin types are observed. An high heating value of 39 400 J/g and H/C and O/C ratios of up to 1.6 and 0.1, respectively, are detected for the produced bio-oils.
Die Forderung, dass der Flammschutz von Kunststoffen nicht nur zum bei der Herstellung der jeweiligen Produkte, sondern auch über die gesamte Einsatzdauer im geforderten Maß wirksam ist, stellt eine große Aufgabe dar. Ferner ist die Anforderung für viele Produkte in der Praxis neu, da bisher vor allem der Einfluss der Flammschutzmittel auf die Stabilität der Polymerwerkstoffe, nicht aber die Stabilität des Flammschutzes untersucht wurde. Das Langzeitverhalten halogenfreier Systeme ist bis heute wenig untersucht, insbesondere weil Phosphor- und Stickstoff-basierte Systeme die oxidative Beständigkeit von Polymeren weniger zu beeinflussen scheinen als halogenhaltige FSM. Die Frage, wie zuverlässig der Flammschutz wirkt, wenn Kunststoffe einige Jahre im Innen- und Außenbereich im Einsatz sind und dabei wechselnden Beanspruchungen ausgesetzt waren, wurde bislang nur vereinzelt untersucht. Mögliche Auswirkungen von Witterungseinflüssen auf flammgeschützte Polymerwerkstoffe sind, dass die Flammschutzmittel selbst abbauen, ausgewaschen werden, oder auch durch Wechselwirkung mit den eingesetzten Additiven oder mit den Alterungsprodukten der Polymermatrix in ihrer Wirkung nachlassen. Hier bestand großer Forschungsbedarf, um an den Punkt zu gelangen, die Beständigkeit der Flammschutzeigenschaften eines Produktes über seine gesamte Lebensdauer zuverlässig garantieren zu können. Diese Fragestellung greift das durchgeführte Forschungsvorhaben auf.
Ziel war die Untersuchung der Langzeitstabilität der Flammschutzwirkung von halogenfrei flammgeschützten Polymerwerkstoffen unter diversen Witterungseinflüssen. Dazu wurden die Schädigungsmechanismen der Polymerwerkstoffe und der Flammschutzmittel sowie die auftretenden Wechselwirkungen analysiert, um ein Verständnis für die ablaufenden Prozesse zu entwickeln und Empfehlung für die Reduzierung der Alterung zu erarbeiten. Gegenstand der Untersuchungen waren anwendungsrelevante Flammschutz-Konzepte, die miteinander verglichen wurden. Die Erarbeitung von Struktur-Eigenschafts-Beziehungen ermöglichte die Beschreibung der Empfindlichkeiten und den Vergleich zwischen den Systemen. Darauf basierend wurden für die FSM spezifische Leitlinien für die Optimierung der Langzeitstabilität des Flammschutzes erstellt.
Das Ziel des Forschungsvorhabens war die Untersuchung der Wirkungsweise von halogenfreien Flammschutzmitteln in WPC.
Eine große Anzahl verschiedener Flammschutzmittel wurde hinsichtlich ihrer Wirkmechanismen umfassend untersucht, um ein Verständnis für die ablaufenden Prozesse zu entwickeln. Hierbei wurden verschiedene Brandtests eingesetzt, um die Materialien bezüglich verschiedener Applikationen (E&E, Transportwesen, Bauwesen) zu beleuchten.
Die verschiedenen Untersuchungen liefern aber auch ein umfassendes Bild vom Brandverhalten in den verschiedenen Eigenschaften, wie Entflammbarkeit und Brandausbreitung.
Die prinzipiellen Ansätze wurden anhand von verschiedenen Flammschutzmitteln beleuchtet, ihre Pyrolyse und ihre Performance in verschiedenen Brandtests gegenübergestellt. Bei der angestrebten geringen Zusatzmenge ist durch den Zusatz eines einzigen Flammschutzmittels keine zufriedenstellende Reduktion der Brandeigenschaften zu erwarten. Multikomponentensysteme zur Steigerung der Effizienz sind angezeigt. Einige prinzipielle Kombinationsmöglichkeiten wurden für alle Hauptflammschutzmittel durchgespielt. Die teilweise deutlichen Verbesserungen zeigen Wege zur erfolgreichen Produktentwicklung auf. So konnten bei den Spritzgießcompounds Eigenschaften erzielt werden, die eine UL 94 V0 Klassifizierung ermöglichen.
Ein Einsatz der im Forschungsvorhaben hergestellten Compounds als Baustoff ist aufgrund des Brandverhaltens in den baustoffspezifischen Prüfungen nicht möglich. Hier sind weitere Flammschutz-Konzepte zu erproben.
Gleitmittel nehmen bei den untersuchten Extrusionscompounds keinen Einfluss auf das Brandverhalten. Haftvermittler nehmen ebenfalls keinen signifikanten Einfluss auf das untersuchte Brandverhalten, können aber zu einer veränderten Verteilung der Füllstoffe
und damit zur Ausbildung einer effektiveren Schutzschicht führen.
Feinere Holzpartikel schneiden bei den Brandprüfungen besser ab als grobe Holzpartikel.
Bei Einsatz von grobem Holz wird eine schlechtere Rückstandsstruktur ausgebildet, was das Brandverhalten negativ beeinflusst. Der Einsatz von vorbehandeltem Holz
brachte nicht die erwartete Verbesserung.
Die neu konzipierte Aufbereitungsanlage auf Basis des Planetwalzenextruders konnte erfolgreich in Betrieb genommen werden. Vergleichende Versuche mit dem Doppelschneckenextruder zeigten, dass der PWE-Aufbau eine gute Alternative zur etablierten DSE-Aufbereitung darstellt.
Zusätzlich wurden an Compounds vielversprechender Flammschutzansätze weitere Materialprüfungen (Biegeversuch, Schlagversuch, Wasseraufnahme) durchgeführt, um den Einfluss der FSM auf die spezifischen Eigenschaften der WPC zu beleuchten.
Polyesters with 9,10-dihydro-9-oxy-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide-containing comonomers are synthesized aiming to improve the flame retardancy of aliphatic polyesters such as poly(butylene succinate) and poly(butylene sebacate). The influence of the chemical structure on the thermal decomposition and pyrolysis is examined using a combination of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), TGA-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and microscale combustion flow calorimetry. Thermal decomposition pathways are derived and used to select suitable candidates as flame retardants for PBS. The fire behavior of the selected polymers is evaluated by forced-flaming combustion in a cone calorimeter. The materials show two modes of action for flame retardancy: strong flame inhibition due to the release of a variety of molecules combined with charring in the solid state.
Sol–gel technology was applied in tailoring
novel wood-made-inorganic composites with improved
thermal and fire properties. In practice, composites materials
were prepared by impregnating pine sapwood wood with
nano-scaled precursor solutions derived from titanium(IV)
isopropoxide followed by a thermal curing process. Thermal
and fire properties were evaluated by thermal analysis and
cone calorimetry, whereas flammability was specified by
oxygen index (LOI) and UL 94 test. Peak heat release rates
were moderately reduced indicating fire retardance potential
in terms of flame spread attributed to the appropriate protection
layer action of the titania-based depositions. LOI
(oxygen index) values of these composites were increased up
to 38 vol.% in comparison to 23 vol.% for untreated wood.
The flame retardancy performance depends on the fire scenario
and is strongly influenced by wood loading and crackfree
deposition of the titania layers inside the composite.
Fire retardancy effects in single and double layered sol-gel derived TiO2 and SiO2-wood composites
(2012)
Sol–gel derived TiO2 and SiO2-wood inorganic composites are prepared by direct vacuum infiltration of silicon and titanium alkoxide based precursors in pine sapwood in one or two cycles followed by a controlled thermal curing process. The resulting flame retardancy effect is investigated under two different fire scenarios using cone calorimetry and oxygen index (LOI). Heat release rates (HRR) especially the values for the second peak, are reduced moderately for all single layered composites. This effect is more pronounced for double layered composites where HRR was reduced up to 40 % showing flame retardancy potential in developing fires. Beside this, smoke release was lowered up to 72 % indicating that these systems had less fire hazards compared to untreated wood, whereas no meaningful improvement is realized in terms of fire load (total heat evolved) and initial HRR increase. However impressively, the LOI of the composites were increased up to 41 vol% in comparison to 23 vol% for untreated wood displaying a remarkable flame retardancy against reaction to a small flame. An approximate linear interdependence among the fire properties and the material loading as well as fire residue was observed. A residual protection layer mechanism is proposed improving the residue properties for the investigated composites.
The incorporation of nanoparticles like multilayer graphene (MLG) into elastomeric composites boosts their technical performance, such as their mechanical behavior and electrical conductivity. Common filler types (carbon black (CB) and aluminum trihydroxide (ATH)) generally fulfill single, specific purposes and are often used in high loadings. CB typically reinforces rubber mechanically, while ATH increases flame retardancy. Small amounts of MLG reduce these high filler contents and maintain the multifunctional characteristics of rubber composites. In chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM) + ATH, an intrinsically flame-retardant rubber was designed to achieve the highest standards such as maximum average of heat emission (MARHE) <90 kW m−2, 3 phrMLG was substituted for 15 phr CB and/or 3 phr ATH via an industrially applicable processing approach. Replacing either CB or ATH resulted in a property profile that was multifunctionally improved in terms of features such as mechanical performance, reduced sorption, and flame retardance. MLG nanocomposites are reported to show promise as an industrially utilizable route to obtain multifunctional high-performance rubbers.
The addition of nanoparticles as reinforcing fillers in elastomers yields nanocomposites with unique property profiles, which opens the door for various new application fields. Major factors influencing the performance of nanocomposites are studied by varying the type and shape of nanoparticles and their dispersion in the natural rubber matrix. The industrial applicability of these nanocomposites is put into focus using two types of graphene and a nanoscale carbon black, all commercially available, and scalable processing techniques in the form of a highly filled masterbatch production via latex premixing by simple stirring or ultrasonically assisted dispersing with surfactant followed by conventional two-roll milling and hot pressing. Different processing and measurement methods reveal the potential for possible improvements: rheology, curing behavior, static and dynamic mechanical properties, swelling, and fire behavior. The aspect ratio of the nanoparticles and their interaction with the surrounding matrix prove to be crucial for the development of superior nanocomposites. An enhanced dispersing method enables the utilization of the improvement potential at low filler loadings (3 parts per hundred of rubber [phr]) and yields multifunctional rubber nanocomposites: two-dimensional layered particles (graphene) result in anisotropic material behavior with strong reinforcement in the in-plane direction (157% increase in the Young's modulus). The peak heat release rate in the cone calorimeter is reduced by 55% by incorporating 3 phr of few-layer graphene via an optimized dispersing process.
Tailored crosslinking in elastomers is crucial for their technical applications. The incorporation of nanoparticles with high surface-to-volume ratios not only leads to the formation of physical networks and influences the ultimate performance of nanocomposites, but it also affects the chemical crosslinking reactions. The influence of few-layer graphene (FLG) on the crosslinking behavior of natural rubber is investigated. Four different curing systems, two sulfur-based with different accelerator-to-sulfur ratios, and two peroxide-based with different peroxide concentrations, are combined with different FLG contents. Using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), vulcametry (MDR) and swelling measurements, the results show an accelerating effect of FLG on the kinetics of the sulfur-based curing systems, with an exothermic reaction peak in DSC shifted to lower temperatures and lower scorch and curing times in the MDR. While a higher accelerator-to-sulfur ratio in combination with FLG leads to reduced crosslinking densities, the peroxide crosslinkers are hardly affected by the presence of FLG. The good agreement of crosslink densities obtained from the swelling behavior confirms the suitability of vulcameter measurements for monitoring the complex vulcanization process of such nanocomposite systems in a simple and efficient way. The reinforcing effect of FLG shows the highest relative improvements in weakly crosslinked nanocomposites.
In the processing of nanocomposites, high shear stresses at elevated tempera-tures orient two-dimensional nanoparticles like graphene. This orientationleads to anisotropic mechanical, thermal or barrier properties of the nanocom-posite. This anisotropy is addressed in this study by comparing graphene (few-layer graphene, FLG) with a nanoscaled carbon black (nCB) at a filler contentof 3 phr, by varying the vulcanization, and by comparing different FLG con-tents. Transmission electron microscopy gives insight into the qualitative ori-entation in the nanocomposite with FLG or nCB. The storage moduli paralleland normal to the orientation reveal the direction dependency of reinforce-ment through dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Dimensional swellingmeasurements show a restriction of the expansion parallel to the FLG orienta-tion, and an increased expansion normal to the orientation. The vulcanizationsystem and crosslinking determine the respective level of property values, andhigher crosslinking densities increase the anisotropy in DMA resulting invalues of up to 2.9 for the quantified anisotropy factor. With increasing FLGcontent, the anisotropy increases. A comparison of the results reveals swellingmeasurements as the most suitable method for the determination of anisot-ropy. Compared to recent literature, the presented processing induces higheranisotropy, leading to higher reinforcing effects in the direction of orientation
Heterogeneous, gradual or structured morphology of fire residues plays an important role in fire retardancy of polymers. A scanning electron microscope with an attached energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM/EDX) is highlighted as a powerful tool for the advanced characterization of such complex fire residues, since it offers high resolution in combination with both good depth of field and analysis of chemical composition. Two examples are presented: First, comprehensive SEM/EDX investigation on a complex structured fire residue of glass fibre reinforced polyamide 6,6 (PA 66-GF) flame retarded by diethylaluminium phosphinate, melamine polyphosphate and some zinc borate. A multilayered surface crust (thickness ~ 24 µm) covers a rather hollow area stabilized by GF glued together. The resulting efficient thermal insulation results in self-extinguishing before pyrolysis is completed, even under forced-flaming combustion. Second, sophisticated, quasi online SEM/EDX imaging of the formation of residual protection layer in layered silicate epoxy resin nanocomposites (LSEC). Burning specimens were quenched in liquid nitrogen for subsequent analyses. Different zones were distinguished in the condensed phase characterized by distinct processes such as melting and ablation of organic material, as well as agglomeration, depletion, exfoliation and reorientation of the LS.
The systematic transfer of solvent-free, additive flame retardant (FR) formulations from epoxy resins to glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composites (GFRECs) through prepregs is difficult. Additionally, obtaining data on their post-fire mechanics is often challenging. Utilizing melamine polyphosphate (MPP), ammonium polyphosphate (APP), and silane-coated ammonium polyphosphate (SiAPP) FRs with low-melting inorganic silicates (InSi) in an 8:2 proportion and 10% loading by weight in a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) resin, a systematic investigation of the processing properties, room-temperature mechanics, and temperature-based mechanics of the systems was performed. The resin was cured with a dicyandiamide hardener (DICY) and a urone accelerator. The results revealed no substantial impact of these FRs at the current loading on the resin's glass transition temperature or processability. However, the fire residues from cone calorimetry tests of the composites containing FRs were found to be only 15-20% of the thickness of the resins, implying a suppression of intumescence upon transfer. At room temperature, the decrease in the flexural modulus for the composites containing FRs was negligible. Exposure of the composites in a furnace at 400°C as a preliminary study before ignition tests was shown to cause significant flexural moduli reductions after 2.5 min of exposure and complete delamination after 3 min making further testing unviable. This study emphasizes the need for future research on recovering modes of action upon transfer of FR formulations from resins to composites. Based on the challenges outlined in this investigation, sample adaptation methods for post-fire analysis will be developed in a future study.
The residual post-fire mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced epoxy composites are influenced by their fire residues after burning. This study uses intumescent/low-melting glass flame retardants to tailor fire residues in epoxy resin. Processibility of prepregs and their quality are analysed for transfer of the flame-retardant epoxy resins to layered glass-fiber reinforced composites. Minimal effects were found on the pre-fire flexural strengths of the composites due to low loading of the flame retardants. However, when transferred to glass-fiber reinforced composites, the fire residues diminish significantly. Further studies are required to improve theoretical and experimental estimations of the post-fire mechanics of the composites.
Synergy in flame-retarded epoxy resin - Identification of chemical interactions by solid-state NMR
(2017)
The potential synergists aluminium diethylphosphinate (AlPi), boehmite (AlO(OH)) and melamine polyphosphate (MPP) were compared in flame-retardant epoxy resin (EP)/melamine poly(magnesium phosphate) (S600). The pyrolysis, the fire behaviour as well as the chemical interactions in the gas and condensed phases were investigated by various methods. Flammability was investigated by cone calorimeter and oxygen index (OI). The thermal and thermo-oxidative decomposition were studied by thermogravimetric analysis coupled with FTIR spectrometer. The special focus was on the Investigation of structural changes in the condensed phase via solid-state NMR of 27Al and 31P nuclei. By the comparison of epoxy resin with only one additive or with S600 in combination with AlPi, AlO(OH) or MPP, it was possible to calculate the synergy index. The best performance in terms of fire behaviour was observed for EP/S600/MPP with a PHRR (Peak heat release rate) of 208 kW m-2 due to slight synergy. In the case of THE (total heat evolved), clear synergy occurred for EP/S600/AlPi and EP/S600/AlO(OH). By solid-state NMR, different phosphates and aluminates were identified, indicating the chemical interactions between S600 and AlPi, AlO(OH) or MPP. The systematic multi-methodical approach yielded insight into the synergistic effects in the flame-retarded epoxy resin.
Distinct approaches are used to reduce the fire risks of polymers, a key issue for many industrial applications. Among the variety of approaches, the use of synergy in halogen-free multicomponent systems is one of the most auspicious. To optimize the composition of such flame-retardant systems it is essential to understand the mechanisms and the corresponding chemistry in the condensed phase. In this work different methods are used, including cone calorimeter, thermogravimetry (TG), and TG-FTIR, with the main focus on the solid-state NMR analysis of the solid residues. The structural changes in the condensed phase of two thermoplastic elastomer systems based on copolymer styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene (TPE-S) were investigated: TPE-S/aluminium diethylphosphinate (AlPi)/magnesium hydroxide (MH) and TPE-S/AlPi/zinc borate (ZB)/poly(phenylene oxide) (PPO). Strong flame inhibition is synergistically combined with protective layer formation. 13C-, 27Al-, 11B- and 31P MAS NMR (magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance) experiments using direct excitation with a single pulse and 1H31P cross-polarization (CP) were carried out as well as double resonance techniques. Magnesium phosphates were formed during the pyrolysis of TPE-S/AlPi/MH, while for the system TPE-S/AlPi/ZB/PPO zinc phosphates and borophosphates were observed. Thus, the chemistry behind the chemical interaction was characterized unambiguously for the investigated systems.
A systematic comparison of chemical interactions and fire behaviour is presented for the thermoplas-tic elastomer (block copolymer styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene) (TPE-S)/diethyl- and methylvinylsiloxane (Si)/poly(phenylene oxide) (PPO), flame-retarded with aluminium diethylphosphinate (AlPi)and with ammonium polyphosphate (APP), respectively. TPE-S/APP/Si/PPO performed better in the conecalorimeter test (reduction in peak heat release rate from 2042 to 475 kW m−2), but TPE-S/AlPi/Si/PPO inthe flammability tests (oxygen index (OI) and UL 94). This difference was caused by the different modes ofaction of APP (more in the condensed phase) and AlPi (mainly in the gas phase). Thermogravimetry cou-pled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR) was used to analyse the mass loss and theevolved gas products, while a Linkam hot-stage cell to investigate the decomposition in the condensedphase. Moreover, a detailed analysis of the fire residues was done using solid-state NMR.13C MAS NMRshowed that both flame-retarded compositions form graphite-like amorphous carbonaceous char, orig-inating from PPO.31P MAS NMR and29Si MAS NMR delivered important information about interactionbetween phosphorus and the siloxane. For TPE-S/AlPi/Si/PPO aluminium phosphate and silicon dioxideoccurred, while also silicophosphate was produced in TPE-S/APP/Si/PPO. The direct comparison of two ofthe most prominent halogen-free flame retardants containing phosphorus delivered meaningful insightsinto the modes of action and molecular mechanisms controlling flame retardancy.
The rapid mass calorimeter (RMC) was used as a screening tool based on accelerated fire testing to assess flame-retarded thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The reliability of RMC results was proven with the cone calorimeter as reference fire test. The influence of melamine cyanurate (MC) concentration on the fire performance of TPU was investigated, along with some flame-retardant combinations such as MC with aluminium diethylphosphinate (AlPi), aluminium trihydrate (ATH), and melamine polyphosphate (MPP). The two-stage burning behaviour of TPU was investigated in detail; the first stage corresponds mainly to the hard segments' decomposition and has a much lower effective heat of combustion (EHC) than the second stage, in which mainly the soft segments decompose and an intensive liquid pool fire is observed in the cone calorimeter set-up. In addition to fire testing with the cone calorimeter, RMC, and UL 94 flammability tests, the decomposition of the materials was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis coupled with infrared spectrometry (TGeFTIR). TPU/MC/AlPi shows the most promising results, achieving V-0 classification in UL 94 and reducing the extreme peak heat release rate (PHRR) of the liquid pool fire from 3154 kW/m2 to 635 kW/m2. Using MC/AlPi/MPP enhances the latter PHRR reduction further. The decomposition products identified in the gas phase via TGeFTIR reveal specific MCeAlPi eMPP interactions, as they differ from products seen in systems with MC/AlPi or MC/MPP. Correlations between RMC and cone calorimeter results were examined and presented in the final part of the paper. Several characteristics correlate strongly, pointing out that RMC is a reliable high-throughput fire testing method to screen multicomponent flame-retardant solutions in TPU.
The multicomponent flame retardant system of melamine polyphosphate (MPP), melamine cyanurate (MC) and aluminum diethylphosphinate (AlPi) is proposed and investigated for thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The synergy between those additives and the resulting superior fire performance are discussed. Systematically varied sets of flame retarded TPU with various MPP/MC/AlPi ratios were investigated in terms of fire behavior, pyrolysis products and mechanical properties. The total amount of the additives was always 30 wt.-%. Further, the influence of various AlPi concentrations was investigated. The optimal MPP:MC ratio was determined while keeping the amount of AlPi constant. The combination of 8 wt.-% MPP, 12 wt.-% MC and 10 wt.-% is proposed as the most promising halogen free flame retardant formulation for TPU, because it yielded a reduction in PHRR from 2660 kW/m2 (TPU) to 452 kW/m2 and enabled V-0 classification in the UL 94 test. Combinations of MPP and MC as well a high concentration of AlPi are beneficial for the mechanical properties e.g. tensile strength and elongation at break of the formulations and could be a strong competitor to commercial flame retarded TPUs.
Basic paths towards fully green flame retarded kenaf fiber reinforced polylactic acid (K-PLA) biocomposites are compared. Multicomponent flame retardant Systems are investigated using an amount of 20 wt% such as Mg(OH)2 (MH), ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and expandable graphite (EG), and combinations with Silicon dioxide or layered silicate (LS) nanofillers. Adding Kenaf fibers and flame retardants increases the E modulus up to a factor 2, although no compatibilizer was used at all. Thus, in particular adding EG and MH decreases the strength at maximum elongation, and kenaf fibers, MH, and EG are crucial for reducing the elongation to break. The Oxygen index is improved by up to 33 vol% compared to 17 vol% for K-PLA. The HB classification of K-PLA in the UL 94 test is outperformed. All flame retarded biocomposites show somewhat lower thermal stability and increased amounts of residue. MH decreases the fire load significantly, and the greatest reduction in peak heat release rate is obtained for K-PLA/15MH/5LS. Synergistic effects are observed between EG and APP (ratio 2:1) in flammability and fire properties. Synergistic multicomponent systems containing EG and APP, or MH with adjuvants offer a promising route to green flame retarded natural fiber reinforced PLA biocomposites.
Sacrifice Few to Save Many: Fire Protective Interlayers in Carbon- Fiber-Reinforced Laminates
(2024)
The fire protection of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates often relies on flame-retardant coatings, but in some applications, their efficacy may diminish upon direct fire exposure due to rapid pyrolysis. This study introduces an innovative approach by integrating protective interlayers within the laminate structure to enhance the fire resistance. Various materials, including ceramic composite WHIPOX, titanium foil, poly(etherimide) (PEI) foil, basalt fibers, rubber mat, and hemp fibers, were selected as protective interlayers. These interlayers were strategically placed within the laminate layout to form a sacrificial barrier, safeguarding the integrity of the composite. Bench-scale fire resistance tests were conducted, where fire (180 kW/m2) was applied directly to the one side of the specimen by a burner while a compressive load was applied at the same time. Results indicate significant prolongation of time to failure for CFRP laminates with protective interlayers, which is up to 10 times longer. This innovative approach represents a potential advance in fire protection strategies for CFRP laminates, offering improved resilience against fire-induced structural failure.
Fire resistance testing of components made of carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRP) usually demands intermediate-scale or full-scale testing. A bench-scale test is presented as a practicable and efficient method to assess how different fire protective systems improve the structural integrity of CFRPs during fire. The direct flame of a fully developed fire was applied to one side of the CFRP specimen, which was simultaneously loaded with compressive force. Three different approaches (film, non-woven, and coatings) were applied: paper with a thickness in the range of μm consisting of cellulose nanofibre (CNF)/clay nanocomposite, nonwoven mats with thickness in the range of cm and intumescent coatings with a thickness in the range of mm. The uncoated specimen failed after just 17 s. Protection by these systems provides fire stability, as they multiply the time to failure by as much as up to 43 times. The reduced heating rates of the protected specimens demonstrate the reduced heat penetration, indicating the coatings’ excellent heat shielding properties. Bench-scale fire stability testing is shown to be suitable tool to identify, compare and assess different approaches to fire protection.
Scientific publications addressing the durability of the flame retardance of cables during their long-term application are rare and our understanding lacks. Three commercial flame retardants, aluminum hydroxide, aluminum diethyl phosphinate (AlPi-Et), and intumescent flame retardant based on ammonium polyphosphate, applied in ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) model cables, are investigated. Different artificial aging scenarios were applied: accelerated weathering (UV-irradiation/temperature/rain phases), humidity exposure (elevated temperature/humidity), and salt spray exposure. The deterioration of cables’ surface and flame retardancy were monitored through imaging, color measurements, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and cone calorimeter investigations. Significant degradation of the materials’ surface occurred. The flame retardant EVA cables are most sensitive to humidity exposure; the cable with AlPi-Et is the most sensitive to the artificial aging scenarios. Nevertheless, substantial flame retardance persisted after being subjected for 2000 h, which indicates that the equivalent influence of natural exposure is limited for several years, but less so for long-term use.
The durability of flame retardancy is a challenge for cables over long lifetimes. The degradation of flame retardance is investigated in two kinds of exposures, artificial weathering and humidity. In this basic study, typical mineral flame retardants in two polymers frequently used in cable jackets are investigated to get the fundamental picture. Aluminum hydroxide (ATH) and magnesium hydroxide (MDH) are compared in ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA), and further in EVA and linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) cables containing the same ATH. The changes in chemical structure at the surface are studied through attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), the formation of cracks, and changes in color are investigated. The cone calorimeter and a bench scale fire testing cable module are utilized to evaluate the fire behavior of the cables. Although the flame retardancy deteriorated slightly, it survived harsh exposure conditions for 2000 h. Compared to EVA/MDH and LLDPE/ATH, the fire behavior of EVA/ATH is the least sensitive. Taken together, all of the results converge to estimate that there will be no problem with flame retardancy performance, for materials subjected to natural exposure for several years; the durability of fire retardancy is questionable for longer periods, and thus requires further investigation.
A phosphaphenanthrene and triazinetrione group containing flame retardant (TAD) is combined with organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) in epoxy resin thermosets (EP) to improve the performance of the flame-retardant system. When only 1 wt% OMMT/4 wt% TAD is introduced into the EP, the limited oxygen index (LOI) rises from 26% to 36.9% and a V-0 rating is achieved in a UL 94 test. The decomposition and pyrolysis products in the gas phase and condensed phase were characterized using thermogravimetry-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR). The influence on the decomposition of EP, such as the increase in char yield, is limited with the incorporation of OMMT; a large amount of the phosphorus is released into the gas phase. The flame-retardant effect evaluation based on cone calorimeter data testified that OMMT improves the protective-barrier effect of the fire residue of OMMT/TAD/EP on the macroscopic scale, while TAD mainly causes flame inhibition. The fire residues showed a corresponding macroscopic appearance (digital photo) and microstructure (scanning electron microscope [SEM] results). The protective barrier effect of OMMT and the flame-inhibition effect of TAD combined to exert a superior flame-retardant effect, resulting in sufficient flame-retardant performance of OMMT/TAD/EP
The morphology and thermal behaviour of polypropylenegraftmaleic anhydride (PPgMA) layered silicate (montmorillonite) nanocomposites were investigated using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry. The study focuses on the influence of the presence of oxygen during the preparation of PPgMAnanocomposite using two different modified clays. The nanocomposites show tactoid, intercalated and exfoliated structures side by side with different dominant states depending on the clay used and on the processing conditions. The systems are described as multi-component blends rather than binary blends since the organic ions do not only change the mixing behaviour, but also influence material properties. Beside the physical barrier property of the clay layers also chemical processes were found to play an important role.
The fire stability of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) shell structures was investigated using an intermediate-scale test setup. The shell specimens are representative of typical load-bearing CFRPs in modern civil aviation. The CFRP shell specimens were exposed to a fully developed fire with direct flame impingement to one side at a heat flux of 182 kW/m2. Specimens were simultaneously loaded with constant compressive force equal to 40% of the ultimate failure load. CFRP shells and four different fire retarding configurations, using integrated protective layers, were investigated. Unprotected CFRP specimens failed after just 27 s. Specimens with integrated protective layers with low heat conductivity and high burn-through resistance showed the most promising results. An integrated titanium foil decelerated the decomposition of the epoxy matrix and increased the time to failure by 68% compared to the unprotected CFRP shell.
Aluminum tris (diethylphosphinate) (AlPi) is known to have an efficient flame-retardant effect when used in poly(butadiene terephthalates) (PBT). Additionally, better flame-retardant effects can be achieved through the partial substitution of AlPi by boehmite in multi-component systems, which have been shown to be an effective synergist due to cooling effects and residue formation. Although the potential of beneficial effects is generally well known, the influence of particle sizes and behavior in synergistic compositions are still unknown. Within this paper, it is shown that the synergistic effects in flammability measured by limiting oxygen index (LOI) can vary depending on the particle size distribution used in PBT. In conducting thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements, it was observed that smaller boehmite particles result in slightly increased char yields, most probably due to increased reactivity of the metal oxides formed, and they react slightly earlier than larger boehmite particles. This leads to an earlier release of water into the system enhancing the hydrolysis of PBT. Supported by Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), we propose that the later reactions of the larger boehmite particles decrease the portion of highly flammable tetrahydrofuran in the gas phase within early burning stages. Therefore, the LOI index increased by 4 vol.% when lager boehmite particles were used for the synergistic mixture.
Manipulating the melt dripping of thermoplastics makes a fire scenario more or less dangerous. Yet, a detailed understanding of this phenomenon has remained a question mark in studies of the flammability of plastics. In this work, the individual and collective impacts of additives on the dripping behaviour of polyamide 6 (PA6) were studied. A set of materials compounded with melamine cyanurate (MCA) and glass fibre (GF) was investigated. Under UL 94 vertical test conditions, the dripping during first and second ignition was quantified and investigated in detail. The number, size and temperature of the drops were addressed, and the materials and their drops evaluated with respect to such aspects as their averaged molecular weight, thermal decomposition and rheological properties. PA6 with V-2 classification improved to V-0 with the addition of MCA, and achieved HB in the presence of GF. PA6/GF/MCA achieved V-2. Non-flaming drops of PA6/MCA consisted of oligomeric fragments. Flaming drops of PA6/GF showed a more pronounced decomposition of PA6 and an increased GF content. The dripping behaviour of PA6/GF/MCA can be understood as a combination of the influence of both additives. The results showed nicely that dripping under fire is neither a straightforward material property nor a simple additive influence, but the complex response of the material influenced by the interaction and competition of different phenomena.
Polyamide 4.6 (PA46) is a high-heat-resistant polymer, but it has no dripping resistance under fire. Three commercial grades of PA46 are investigated under UL 94 vertical fire test conditions. Their performances are discussed based on the materials’ structural, thermal, and rheological properties. PA46 presents flaming drops, whereas dripping is prevented in the flame-retarded PA46.
Friction-modified PA46 has increased flaming dripping. Temperature profiles of the specimens under fire and the temperature of the drops are measured by thermocouples. A UL 94 vertical test configuration consisting of two flame applications is designed to assess the quantitative dripping behavior of the set of materials by the particle finite element method (PFEM). Polymer properties (activation energy and Arrhenius coefficient of decomposition, char yield, density, effective heat of combustion, heat of decomposition, specific heat capacity, and thermal conductivity) in addition to rheological responses in high temperatures are estimated and measured as input parameters for the simulations. The dripping behavior obtained by simulated materials corresponds with the experimental results in terms of time and drop size. A consistent picture of the interplay of the different phenomena controlling dripping under fire appears to deliver a better understanding of the role of different materials’ properties
The dripping behaviour of polymers is often observed experimentally through the UL94 flammability standard test. In this work, polymeric dripping under fire is investigated numerically using particle finite element method. A parametric analysis was carried out to observe the influence of a single property on overall dripping behaviour via a UL94 vertical test model. Surrogates and property ranges were defined for variation of the following parameters: glass transition temperature (Tg), melting temperature (Tm), decomposition temperature (Td), density (ρ), specific heat capacity (Cp), apparent effective heat of combustion of the volatiles, char yield (μ), thermal conductivity (k), and viscosity (η). Polyamide, poly(ether ether ketone), poly(methyl methacrylate), and polysulfone were used as benchmarks. Simulated results showed that specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity, and char yield allied with viscosity were the properties that most influenced dripping behaviour (starting time and occurrence).
Hyperbranched poly(phosphoester)s as flame retardants for technical and high performance polymers
(2014)
A structurally novel hyperbranched halogen-free poly(phosphoester) (hbPPE) is proposed as a flame retardant in poly(ester)s and epoxy resins. hb polymeric flame retardants combine several advantages that make them an extraordinary approach for future flame retardants. hbPPE was synthesized by olefin metathesis polymerization according to a straightforward two-step protocol. The impact of hbPPE on pyrolysis, flammability (reaction-to-small-flame), and fire behavior under forced flaming conditions (cone calorimeter) was investigated for a model substance representing poly(ester)s, i.e. ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, and an epoxy resin of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether cured with isophorone diamine. The flame retardancy performance and mechanisms are discussed and compared to a commercial bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate) (BDP). Both hbPPE and BDP combined gas-phase and condensed-phase activity; hbPPE is the more efficient flame retardant, and is proposed to be efficient in a greater variety of polymeric matrices. The hydrolysis of hbPPE is suggested to produce phosphorous acids, which, when available at the right temperatures, enhance the charring of the polymer in the condensed phase. The better fire protection behavior of the hbPPE is due not only to its higher phosphorus content, but also to the higher efficiency of the phosphorus it contains.
The ubiquity of polymeric materials in daily life Comes with an increased fire risk, and sustained research into efficient flame retardants is key to ensuring the safety of the populace and material goods from accidental fires. Phosphorus, a versatile and effective element for use in flame retardants, has the potential to supersede the halogenated variants that are still widely used today: current formulations employ a variety of modes of action and methods of implementation, as additives or as reactants, to solve the task of developing flameretarding polymeric materials. Phosphorus-based flame retardants can act in both the gas and condensed phase during a fire. This Review investigates how current phosphorus chemistry helps in reducing the flammability of polymers, and addresses the future of sustainable, efficient, and safe phosphorus-based flame-retardants from renewable sources.
Influence of weathering on the stability of flame retardancy in polymeric materials for outdoor use
(2009)
In den letzten Jahrzehnten wurde die Degradation der polymeren Matrix von flammgeschützten Polymeren eingehend untersucht. Erst in den letzten Jahren jedoch hat sich die Frage der Lebensdauer der Funktionalität des Flammschutzes selbst als wichtige Fragestellung herauskristallisiert, z.B. bei Kabeln. Deshalb sollte diese Fragestellung durch systematisch-variierte künstliche Klima- und Bewitterungstests an flammgeschützten Polymerwerkstoffen untersucht werden.