Bio-Based Polyamide 1010 with a Halogen-Free Flame Retardant Based on Melamine-Gallic Acid Complex

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Fire Safety Engineering

Background:

• Polyamide 1010 (PA1010) is a widely used engineering thermoplastic.
• Improving the fire behavior of PA1010 is crucial for safety in various applications.
• Halogen-free flame retardants are preferred due to environmental concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel halogen-free flame-retardant PA1010 composites.
• To investigate the fire retardant mechanism of melamine-gallic acid (MA) complexes.
• To evaluate the effect of MA complexes on the thermal, mechanical, and fire properties of PA1010.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of melamine-gallic acid (MA) complexes using hydrogen bonding at different molar ratios.
• Preparation of PA1010 composites via melt mixing and compression molding.
• Characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), limiting oxygen index (LOI) tests, and vertical burning tests.

Main Results:

• MA complexes acted as plasticizers, reducing the glass transition temperature of PA1010.
• XRD analysis showed MA influenced PA1010 chain packaging, affecting mechanical properties.
• Composites with MA complexes demonstrated enhanced thermal stability, thermo-oxidative stability, and LOI values.
• The MA12 complex (higher GA content) resulted in an LOI of 33.6%, significantly higher than neat PA1010 (25.8%).
• All prepared composites achieved a V-0 vertical burning rating, surpassing the V-2 rating of neat PA1010.

Conclusions:

• Melamine-gallic acid complexes effectively improve the fire retardancy of PA1010 composites.
• The hydrogen bonding within MA complexes enhances flame retardant efficiency in the gaseous phase.
• The developed halogen-free system offers a promising alternative for safer PA1010 applications.