Flammability of Polystyrene-Clay Nanocomposites.
Flammability of Polystyrene-Clay Nanocomposites.
(365 K)
Morgan, A. B.; Gilman, J. W.; Harris, R. H., Jr.;
Jackson, C. L.; Wilkie, C. A.; Zhu, J.
Polymeric Materials Science and Engineering, Vol. 83,
53-54, 2000.
Keywords:
nanocomposites; flammability; polystyrene; clay; flame
retardants
Abstract:
Research in the area of condensed phase flame retardants
for polymers usually builds upon existing technologies,
such as metal hydroxides (alumina, magnesium hydroxide)
or phosphorus based materials. However, these materials
tend to weaken mechanical properties while improving
flammability resistance. No major new flame retardant
(FR) technology has emerged in this area for quite some
time. Polymer-clay nanocomposites have generated a great
deal of interest due to improved mechanical and thermal
properties. Also, they have improved flammability
resistance while maintaining good mechanical properties,
a key advantage over existing condensed phase flame
retardants. Recent work in our laboratory in this area
has shown that polymer-clay nanocomposites have greatly
reduced heat release rates. Further, we have observed
polymers which normally do not char, or leave any
carbonaceous residue upon burning, produce char in the
presence of clay. Previously, we had investigated the
flammability properties of polystyrene copolymers with
phosphates and the ability to crosslink via
Friedel-Crafts chemistry. The research presented here
combines Fricdel Crafts technology with clay to obtain
an improved flame-resistant polystyrene.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899