Flame retardant and mechanical properties of epoxy composites containing APP−PSt core−shell microspheres

ABSTRACT Ammonium polyphosphate (APP)–polystyrene (PSt) core–shell microspheres (CSPs) were synthesized via in situ radical polymerization. The core–shell structure was confirmed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results of optical contact angle measurements demonstrated a significant i...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied polymer science 2014-05, Vol.131 (9), p.np-n/a
Main Authors: Zhao, ChunXia, Li, YunTao, Xing, YunLiang, He, Da, Yue, Jie
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Calorimetry
Combustion
Composites
Compounding ingredients
Decomposition
Exact sciences and technology
Fireproof agents
flame retardance
Forms of application and semi-finished materials
Materials science
Mechanical properties
Microspheres
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Polymerization
Polymers
Residues
Smoke
Technology of polymers
thermal properties
thermosets
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:ABSTRACT Ammonium polyphosphate (APP)–polystyrene (PSt) core–shell microspheres (CSPs) were synthesized via in situ radical polymerization. The core–shell structure was confirmed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results of optical contact angle measurements demonstrated a significant improvement in hydrophobicity of the modified APP. The obtained APP–PSt CSPs were added into epoxy (EP) system with various loadings. Effects of CSP on flame retardancy, thermal properties, heat release rate (HRR), smoke production, and mechanical properties of EP/CSP composites were investigated by limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94 tests, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), cone calorimeter, and tensile test. LOI and UL‐94 indicated that CSP remarkably improved the flame retardancy of EP composites. TGA showed that the initial decomposition temperature and the maximum‐rate decomposition temperature decreased, whereas residue yields at high temperature increased with the incorporation of microspheres. Cone calorimetry gave evidence that HRR, peak release rate, average HRR, and smoke production rate of EP/CSP composites decreased significantly. The morphology of char residues suggested that CSP could effectively promote EP to form high‐quality char layer with compact outer surface and swollen inner structure. Tensile strength of EP was enhanced with the addition of CSP. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40218.
ISSN:0021-8995
1097-4628
DOI:10.1002/app.40218