Zhong S., Rutkevičicus M., Stoner C.
ABB US Research Center, US
Keywords: engineering plastics, fire, Injection molding, intumescent compound, thermal resistance
Intumescent thermoplastic composites have found wider applications in recent years thanks to their excellent thermal- resistant performance, low cost and high compatibility in mass production, such as injection molding. A series of intumescent polymer composites containing commercially available polyproplyene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)- based intumescent masterbatches were compounded respectively, and evaluated for their performances. The plastic composites were analyzed before and after exposure to heat, suggesting that thermal-resistance of the plastics increased with higher intumescent loading, while its mechanical strength dropped. Moldflow simulation and molding trials indicated that intumescent polymer composites could be processed at a lower melting temperature compared to virgin polymer thanks to lower viscosity. This work suggests mechanically strong yet easily moldable intumescent composites enable one to engineer products with desired thermal-resistant performance.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: TechConnect Briefs 2021
Published: October 18, 2021
Pages: 65 - 68
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topics: Advanced Materials for Engineering Applications, Materials Characterization & Imaging
ISBN: 978-0-578-99550-2