Incorporation of natural flame retardant fillers in an ethylene-propylene copolymer, in combination with a halogen-antimony system

• Published in: Polymer degradation and stability Vol. 54; no. 2; pp. 345 - 352
• Main Authors: Touré, B., Cuesta, J.-M.Lopez, Longerey, M., Crespy, A.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.01.1996; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Compounding ingredients; Exact sciences and technology; Fireproof agents; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers; Additive; Calcium Borates; Propylene copolymer; Halogen compound; Ethylene copolymer; Flame retardant; Antimony oxide
• ISSN: 0141-3910; 1873-2321
• DOI: 10.1016/S0141-3910(96)00061-4

The aim of our research is to optimize the flame retardant and mechanical properties of an ethylene-propylene copolymer filled by various natural fillers. These fillers act by releasing water, producing an endothermic effect. They also mechanically reinforce the copolymer. Nevertheless, the filler loadings required to meet flame resistance requirements (French standard M.3) lead to low values of impact resistance, limiting the range of applications. Consequently, we decided to combine a mineral filler able to release water with an inhibitory blend made up of a brominated compound and antimony trioxide. All the results presented hereafter concern an industrial mineral containing mainly calcium borate, whose commercial name is ‘Portabor’. It was used alone in the copolymer at first, and then in combination with antimony trioxide and decabromodiphenyl oxide. Thermal analysis revealed the individual features of each component and its reactivity. The mixture proved to have good complementary mechanical and flame retardant properties.