Macromolecular coupling agents for flame retardant materials

• Published in: European polymer journal Vol. 42; no. 5; pp. 990 - 999
• Main Authors: Nachtigall, Sônia Marlí Bohrz, Miotto, Maximiliano, Schneider, Elisângela Edila, Mauler, Raquel Santos, Camargo Forte, Maria Madalena
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2006; Elsevier
• Subjects: Aluminum hydroxide; Applied sciences; Coupling agent; Degradation; Exact sciences and technology; Morphology; Physical properties; Polymer composites; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Properties and testing; Technology of polymers; Thermic properties and inflammability; Degradation; Polymer composites; Morphology; Aluminum hydroxide; Coupling agent; Aluminium hydroxide; Propylene polymer; Mechanical properties; Flame retardant; Organic silane; Tensile property; Organic anhydride; Experimental study; Oxygen index; Thermal stability; Thermal properties; Additive; Chemical modification; Functionalization; Isotactic polymer; Vinylic compound; Olefin polymer
• ISSN: 0014-3057; 1873-1945
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2005.10.017

Polypropylene (PP) is a large-consumed polymer employed in many applications. For some uses, good flame resistance is desirable and this can be achieved by the addition of metallic hydroxides. However, high loads of metallic hydroxides are needed causing marked deterioration of the physical properties. Addition of interfacial agents is a useful way of minimizing these effects. In this study, PP was modified with vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES) and maleic anhydride (MA) and the products were used as coupling agents for PP/aluminum hydroxide (ATH) composites. The composites were characterized by TGA, SEM, tensile and flammability tests. It was observed that both coupling agents were efficient but PP modified with VTES showed better effect on the mechanical properties. Two types of ATH were used for comparison.