Investigation of Flame Retardant Properties of Poly(ethylene Terephthalate)/Silatrane Complex/Montmorillonite Nanocomposites

Abstract:

Poly (ethylene terephthalate) or PET was used in many applications such as packagings, textiles, electrical devices, and auto parts as well due to its good mechanical properties and dimensional stabilities, etc. However, the main drawback of PET is poor flame retardant and melt-dripping, which needed to be solved. Therefore, the aim of this research was to improve the flame retardant properties of PET by investigating the synergistic effects of flame retardant agents between silatrane complex and montmorillonite (MMT) at various concentrations. Silatrane complex was synthesized from silica through one pot process. The characteristic of the obtained silatrane complex was determined by FT-IR, SEM, and TGA. Various ratios of PET/silatrane complex/MMT nanocomposites were prepared by melt bending using a twin screw extruder and compressed into standard shape according to ASTM standard by a compression molding, respectively. Morphology, flame retardant properties, and mechanical properties of PET nanocomposites were investigated. The flame retardant properties were evaluated by LOI values and UL-94V rating. The results showed that mechanical properties of PET/silatrane complex/MMT nanocomposites were slightly different from those of the neat PET. The flame retardant properties showed that the LOI values of PET/silatrane complex/MMT nanocomposites were greater than that of neat PET and increased with increasing the silatrane complex concentration. The LOI value of PET/7%silatrane/2%MMT nanocomposite was increased up to 60.75%, compared with that of neat PET. While neat PET was classified into V-2 rating since it showed sustainable burning and melt-dripping behavior during burning process, PET/silatrane complex/MMT nanocomposites did not show such behavior and thus could be designated as V-0 rating. In addition, the results indicated that the MMT could occur synergistic effect with silatrane complex as well.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 747)
• Pages: 43-46
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.747.43
• Online since: August 2013
• Authors: Phawittra Sonsilchai, Duangdao Aht-Ong
• Keywords: Flame Retardant, Montmorillonite, Nanocomposite, Poly(ethylene terephthalate), Silatrane Complex

References

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DOI: 10.1080/00914030701420178