Investigation Into the Influence of Flame Retardant Additives on Some Fire Properties of Polyester Materials Applying Small-Scale Testing Techniques

Abstract

In order to investigate the impact of some inorganic additive flame retardants on the selected fire properties of the materials based on polyester resin Polimal 1033 APy, small-scale fire testing techniques have been used. Seven samples have been studied: unmodified PES, PES modified with MoO3 (7, 14 and 21 wt%) and PES modified with Sb2O3 (7, 14 and 21 wt%). The following flammable properties of materials have been determined: the heat of combustion (HOC), the ignition temperature of volatile thermal decomposition products (Tig), self-ignition temperature and oxygen index. A cone calorimeter method has been used for determining heat release rate (HRR), mass loss, specific extinction area (SEA) and other combustion parameters. The toxicological analysis of combustion products has been conducted. Based on the obtained results, the following conclusions have been made: (1) MoO3 and Sb2O3 added to the studied material change its flammable properties and fire parameters. It can be indicated by higher HOC, higher Tig and self-ignition temperature, as well as by lower HRR and SEA. Modified materials become safer in terms of fire hazard. (2) A significant reduction in HRRmax of approx. 40% in the content of 7 wt% has been observed. The lowest HRRmaxof approximately 300 kW/m2 and 450 kW/m2 have been obtained for 21 wt% in a range of 200–600 s at 30 kW/m2 and 100–400 s at 50 kW/m2 respectively. Except for a sample containing 7 wt% of Sb2O3, a clear local reduction in HRR (from 50 to 150 kW/m2), in case of all modified samples has been noticed. (3) Sb2O3 has a greater impact on the thermostability of the studied materials compared to MoO3 in all cases of heat flux density and additive concentrations. The effectiveness of Sb2O3, as a flame retardant is the most evident at 21 wt%.

Tailoring the mechanical, thermal, and flammability properties of high-performance PEI/PBT blends exhibiting dual-phase continuity

“…As observed in TGA results, the decomposition of PBT does not lead to high carbonaceous residues production (charring formation). However, for PBT flammability results show that flame do not reach the 25 mm mark after 120 s of direct flame exposure, suggesting that PBT flame retardancy is controlled by the synergic self-extinguish effect caused by the antimony oxides and bromide compound reaction [68,[79][80][81]. This assumption is made on the basis that the carbonaceous products formed over PBT surface are not large enough to avoid flame propagation and material consumption.…”

Simulation Tests of Extinguishing Process Using Mist Nozzles With Application of Hybrid Fire Model

“…The simulation tests used a computer model of extinguishing process developed at the Main School of Fire Service, which works together with a hybrid model of the fire described by Gałaj (2009Gałaj ( , 2010aGałaj ( , 2010b. This model will be validated using results obtained during investigations described in the following papers (Konecki, Półka 2009;Gałaj, Konecki 2010;Gałaj et al 2013;Półka et al 2013).…”