Flammability and mechanical properties of Al(OH)3and BaSO 4filled polypropylene

Tan S., Tinçer T.

Journal of Applied Polymer Science, vol.118, no.5, pp.3034-3040, 2010 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 118 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2010
  • Doi Number: 10.1002/app.32729
  • Journal Name: Journal of Applied Polymer Science
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.3034-3040
  • Keywords: Aluminum hydroxide, Barium sulfate, Flammability, Mechanical properties, Polypropylene
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The flammability and mechanical properties of Al(OH)3/BaSO 4/polypropylene (PP) composites were investigated. The flow, morphological, and thermal properties were also analyzed by melt flow index (MFI), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) studies, respectively. Total filler amount was fixed at 30 wt % to optimize physical characteristics of the composites. In addition to the flame retardant filler Al(OH)3, BaSO4was used to balance the reduction in impact strength at high filler loadings. Substantial improvement in mechanical properties was achieved for 20 wt % Al(OH)3(i.e., 10 wt % BaSO4) composition while maximum flammability resistance was obtained for 30 wt % Al(OH)3composite. SEM studies showed that the presence of aggregated Al(OH)3particles led to low interfacial adhesion between them and PP matrix ending up with decreased mechanical strength. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.