Thermal degradation study of polymethylmethacrylate with AlI₃ nanoadditive

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Organic polymers like polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) can release toxic fragments during thermal degradation.
• Developing safer and more stable polymer materials is crucial for various applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of aluminum triiodide nanoadditives (AlI₃ NAs) on the thermal degradation and burning behavior of PMMA.
• To assess the potential of AlI₃ NAs as a stabilizing agent for PMMA.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of PMMA blends with varying concentrations (0-15%) of AlI₃ NAs.
• Thermal degradation studies using a custom pyrolytic assembly.
• Analysis of polymer stability using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
• Microstructural examination via scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
• Evaluation of burning characteristics using the horizontal burning test (HBT).

Main Results:

• FTIR and TGA studies indicated enhanced thermal stability in PMMA blends containing AlI₃ NAs.
• SEM analysis confirmed uniform nanoscale dispersion of AlI₃ throughout the PMMA matrix.
• The horizontal burning test demonstrated a significant retardation of polymer burning with the addition of AlI₃ NAs.

Conclusions:

• Aluminum triiodide nanoadditives effectively enhance the thermal stability of PMMA.
• AlI₃ NAs act as a flame retardant, reducing the burning rate of PMMA.
• This method offers a promising strategy for improving the safety and performance of PMMA materials.