The Use of POSS-Based Nanoadditives for Cable-Grade PVC: Effects on Its Thermal Stability

Abstract

Plasticized–Poly(vinyl chloride) (P-PVC) for cables and insulation requires performances related to outdoor, indoor and submarine contexts and reduction of noxious release of HCl-containing fumes in case of thermal degradation or fire. Introducing suitable nanomaterials in polymer-based nanocomposites can be an answer to this clue. In this work, an industry-compliant cable-grade P-PVC formulation was added with nanostructured materials belonging to the family of Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS). The effects of the nanomaterials, alone and in synergy with HCl scavenging agents as zeolites and hydrotalcites, on the thermal stability and HCl evolution of P-PVC were deeply investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and reference ASTM methods. Moreover, hardness and mechanical properties were studied in order to highlight the effects of these additives in the perspective of final industrial uses. The data demonstrated relevant improvements in the thermal stability of the samples added with nanomaterials, already with concentrations of POSS down to 0.31 phr and interesting additive effects of POSS with zeolites and hydrotalcites for HCl release reduction without losing mechanical performances.

Experimental Study on Flammability and Flame Spread Characteristics of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Cable

“…Temperature distribution plays an important role in flammability of combustibles and flame spread [10,14,34]. In this work, an infrared camera placed in front of the cables rather than at the top of the cables are employed to capture the temperature distribution of cable surface and flame.…”

“…The review emphasized the complex role of the metallic core in the ignition, flame spread, burning, and extinction of cable fire. Palin et al [14] investigated effects of the poss-based nanoadditives on the thermal stability of cable-grade PVC. Moreover, hardness and mechanical properties were studied in order to highlight the effects of these additives in the perspective of final industrial uses.…”

A Process for the Synthesis and Use of Highly Aromatic Organosilanes as Additives for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Films

“…The limitations associated with commercial additives have inspired researchers to find and develop effective and toxicity-free PVC photostabilizers. The thermal stability of PVC has been improved using various hydrogen chloride (HCl) scavengers such as hydrotalcites [22,23] and silicon-based nanomaterials [24].…”

Recent Advances in Polymer Nanocomposites Based on Polyethylene and Polyvinylchloride for Power Cables

“…PVC is produced in a rigid or flexible form; the latter being preferred for electrical insulation. Despite high hardness and good mechanical properties, PVC starts to decompose at 140 °C, however, its thermal properties may be improved by the addition of heat stabilizers [ 19 , 20 ].…”