Some of the most effective flame inhibitors ever found are metallic compounds. Many factors control the effect of these compounds in polymer combustion. Also, metal compounds may affect processes taking place in the condensed phase, gas phase and at the interface. In the current work, a series of zinc-containing metal compounds are used to modify epoxy systems, and the role of both, the metallic and non-metallic part of these compounds on dispersion, thermal stabilities, glass transition temperatures, and fire properties of corresponding epoxy composites is investigated. It is observed that these compounds are effective fire retardants for epoxy as measured by cone: for example, an epoxy system modified with zinc acetate (10 wt.%) shows a 60 % reduction in peak heat release rate, relative to pristine epoxy sample. The mechanism of action of these compounds is investigated and the trends discussed.

Enhanced fire performance of epoxy-amine systems modified with metal compounds

241st National Meeting (2011)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.