Title: Study of a halogen-free flame-retarded Polypropylene composition with balanced strength and toughness

Authors: Zhengping Fang, Zhenghong Guo, Haiyun Ma, Qili Chen, Yu Wu

Addresses: Lab of Polymer Materials and Engineering, Ningbo Institute of Technology, Zhejiang University, Ningbo 315100, PR China. ' Lab of Polymer Materials and Engineering, Ningbo Institute of Technology, Zhejiang University, Ningbo 315100, PR China. ' Institute of Polymer Composites, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, PR China. ' Ningbo Futian Engineering Plastics Co. Ltd, Cixi 315315, PR China. ' Ningbo Futian Engineering Plastics Co. Ltd, Cixi 315315, PR China

Abstract: A nitrogen–phosphorus (N–P) Intumescent Flame Retardant (IFR) was applied for the halogen-free flame-retarded Polypropylene (PP) composition. The matrix resin, toughening materials and strengthening materials were selected for improving the tensile and impact properties of the flame-retarded PP. Orthogonal experiments were performed to produce an optimum recipe with balanced flame retardancy, impact strength and tensile strength. The Charpy impact strength and the tensile strength of PP/IFR/R1/G2/additive (62.8/28/4/5/0.2) were 28.56 MPa and 7.74 kJ/m², respectively. At the same time, this composition could reach UL V0 level in the vertical combustion test, which is satisfied for the need of usual engineering application.

Keywords: halogen free; nitrogen–phosphorus flame retardant; polypropylene; impact strength; tensile strength; toughness; intumescent flame retardant; IFR; vertical combustion test; thermoplastic polymers; fire resistance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2010.031434

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2010 Vol.37 No.3/4, pp.350 - 357

Published online: 03 Feb 2010 *

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