S. Bourbigot, M. Bras, Robert Leeuwendal
Jun 1, 1999
Citations
2
Influential Citations
193
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Polymer Degradation and Stability
Abstract
Abstract In this work, zinc borates are used as synergistic agents in EVA–ATH and EVA–Mg(OH) 2 flame-retardant (FR) formulations and as smoke suppressants. Moreover, the study by solid state NMR of the residues sampled at different times during cone calorimeter experiments of the formulations EVA–ATH and EVA–ATH/Zinc borate allows to propose a mechanism of action of the FR systems. It is demonstrated that the decomposition of Aluminium trihydroxide (ATH) to Al 2 O 3 during the heating of the polymer results in an increase of the ignition time. Moreover the formation of Al 2 O 3 in situ from ATH during the combustion of the polymer is the first event. Concurrently zinc borate degrades and it is proposed that a vitreous protective coating is created, which yields a more efficient char.