Graphene platelets versus phosphorus compounds for elastomeric composites: flame retardancy, mechanical performance
Sherif Araby1,2, Xiao Su1, Qingshi Meng1,3
1School of Engineering and Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5095, Australia.
Nanotechnology
|June 18, 2019
Summary
Graphene platelets (GnPs) enhance ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) flame retardancy and mechanical properties. Unlike ammonium polyphosphate (APP), GnPs improve EPDM
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Fire Safety Engineering
Background:
- Polymer flammability poses significant risks to life and property.
- Ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) is widely used but flammable.
- Improving EPDM's flame retardancy without compromising mechanical properties is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of graphene platelets (GnPs) as flame retardants for EPDM.
- To compare the performance of GnPs with a commercial flame retardant, ammonium polyphosphate (APP).
- To assess the impact of GnPs and APP on both flame retardancy and mechanical properties of EPDM.
Main Methods:
- Melt compounding of EPDM with GnPs and APP.
- Mechanical property testing of the composites.
- Cone calorimetry to evaluate flame retardancy performance (char yield, peak heat release rate, ignition time, fire performance index).
Main Results:
- GnPs significantly improved EPDM's mechanical properties, while APP compromised them.
- EPDM/GnP composites exhibited a higher char yield (21 wt%) compared to EPDM/APP composites (8 wt%).
- GnPs increased ignition time by 29% and FPI by 62%, outperforming APP in key fire safety metrics.
Conclusions:
- Graphene platelets offer superior flame retardancy and mechanical enhancement for EPDM compared to ammonium polyphosphate.
- The formation of a stable char layer by GnPs during combustion is key to their flame retarding mechanism.
- GnPs present a promising solution for developing safer and more durable EPDM materials.
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