Synergy Between Nanocomposite Formation and Low Levels of Bromine on Fire Retardancy in Polystyrenes

Authors

Grace Chigwada, Marquette University
Panchatapa Jash, Marquette University
David D. Jiang, Marquette UniversityFollow
Charles A. Wilkie, Marquette UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-2005

Source Publication

Polymer Degradation and Stability

Source ISSN

0141-3910

Abstract

An organically-modified clay has been prepared using ammonium salts which contain an oligomeric material consisting of vinylbenzyl chloride, styrene and dibromostyrene. The presence of dibromostyrene enhances the flame retardancy of polystyrene nanocomposites compared to both the virgin polymer and polystyrene nanocomposites prepared from non-halogen-containing organically-modified clays. The nanocomposites were prepared both by bulk polymerization and melt blending and they were evaluated by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and cone calorimetry measurements. Bulk polymerization produced nanocomposites with reduced peak heat release rate, reduced total heat release and improved thermal stability. It is noteworthy that all these improvements were obtained with clay loading as low as 3% and bromine content less than 4%.

Comments

Accepted version. Polymer Degradation and Stability, Vol. 88, No. 3 (June 2005): 382-393. DOI. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. Used with permission

Recommended Citation

Chigwada, Grace; Jash, Panchatapa; Jiang, David D.; and Wilkie, Charles A., "Synergy Between Nanocomposite Formation and Low Levels of Bromine on Fire Retardancy in Polystyrenes" (2005). Chemistry Faculty Research and Publications. 128.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/chem_fac/128