Effect of nanometric metallic hydroxides on the flame retardant properties of HDPE composites

The effect of nanometric magnesium and aluminum hydroxides on the flame retardancy of high density polyethylene was studied. Additionally, the effect of maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (PEgMA) and methyl acrylate grafted polyethylene (EMA) compatibilizers, on the tensile properties, was also studied. Morphological characterization of nanocomposites was carried out by means of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Flame retardant properties of nanocomposites were evaluated by the UL-94 horizontal and vertical tests as well as by cone calorimeter tests. Thermal degradation behavior was analyzed with a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). Tensile tests were carried out according to ASTM D 638-03 in an Instron 4301 tensile testing machine. From STEM images, a good dispersion of flame retardants (MH and ATH) in the polymer matrix was observed, which was reflected in the flame retardant properties. Results showed that the combination of nanometric MH and ATH produced excellent flame retardant properties, achieving a classification of V0 in the UL-94-V test and producing the lowest peak of heat release rate (PHRR) and the lowest total heat released (THR) in the cone calorimeter test. Finally, the addition of compatibilizer, especially PEgMA, resulted in much better tensile properties as compared to the noncompatibilized composition, maintaining the flame retardant properties.