Preparing alginate flame retardants for epoxy resins
In a study, researchers have evaluated the efficacy of a novel biomass flame retardant based on alginic acid in combination with a reactive phosphorus-silicon compound in epoxy resins.
Compared with alginates, the modified alginate showed obviously increased thermal stability and water resisting property, as well as better compatibility with epoxy resin, which can satisfy the requirements of a flame-retardant additive in the polymer.
More strengthened char layer
The flame-retardant properties were evaluated by vertical burning tests, limiting oxygen index, and microscale combustion calorimetry. Due to the self-charring capacity of alginate combined with the charring catalyst from P and the charring reinforcer from Si, the modified alginate exhibited much better flame retardancy, taking advantage of the formation of a more continuous, denser, and strengthened char layer than either individual alginate or P-Si flame retardant. The corresponding flame-retardant mechanisms were investigated and discussed.
The study is published in: Applied Polymer Science, Volume 134, Issue 48, December 20, 2017.
Event tip
If you want to learn more on the latest developments on fire retardant coatings you should visit the European Coatings Fire Forum. The conference will be held on 17-18 October 2017 in Berlin and show how to handle constantly changing regulations and which technological innovations are the most crucial.
