New elastomeric ceramizable composites based on butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber filled with talc

• Published in: Polymer testing 2024-05, Vol.134, p.108438, Article 108438
• Main Authors: Smulski, Kamil, Imiela, Mateusz, Gozdek, Tomasz, Bieliński, Dariusz M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ceramization; Elastomer composites; NBR; Polymer flammability; Talc
• ISSN: 0142-9418; 1873-2348
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2024.108438

One of the most serious drawbacks of polymeric materials is their flammability. This poses problems for their use as building materials. The production of elastomeric composites capable of ceramization is one way of making such materials flame-retardant and thus improving their fire safety. Here, we propose the production of ceramizable, highly filled composites based on NBR rubber containing talc and fluxing agent in the composition. The research showed low flammability (88 % reduction in FIGRA), good rheological properties, high mechanical strength of the vulcanizates (tensile strength at break exceeding 7 MPa) and the ability to produce a strong ceramic phase (up to 77 % increase in required destructive force on ceramizable samples). This confirmed the high flame resistance of the composites tested. In the future, similar composites could be considered for the design of cables that supply fire protection systems, escape route lighting or elevators. •New flame retardant methods for elastomeric composites.•Nitrile-butadiene rubber-based composites capable of ceramization.•Reducing the flammability of polymeric materials.•Talc as a filler for ceramizable composites.