Bao CL, Song L, Guo YQ, Hu Y (2011) Preparation and characterization of flame-retardant polypropylene/alpha-titanium phosphate (nano)composites. Polymers for Advanced Technologies 22(7), 1156-1165. [In English]

Web link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/pat.1976

Keywords: alpha-titanium phosphate; polypropylene; (nano)composite; thermal; stability; mechanical properties; layered-silicate nanocomposites; double hydroxide nanocomposites; oligomerically-modified clay; mechanical-properties; polypropylene/montmorillonite nanocomposites; thermal-stability; intercalation compounds; polypropylene/organoclay nanocomposites; montmorillonite nanocomposites; morphological characterization

Abstract: Polymer/alpha-titanium phosphate (nano)composites are reported for the first time in this paper. The a-titanium phosphate was synthesized via the hydrothermal method and organically modified by ethylamine intercalation. Flame retardant polypropylene/alpha-titanium phosphate (nano)composites were prepared by melt blending. The titanium phosphates and (nano) composites were characterized and enhanced thermal stability, flame retardancy, and mechanical properties were obtained. Thermogravimetric analysis results showed an increase of 65 degrees C in the maximum decomposition temperature and a 34% reduction in the peak value of derivative weight curve, demonstrating enhanced thermal stability. Improved mechanical properties, including elongation at break (70%), impact strength (29%), Young's modulus (11%), and hardness (35%), were obtained. Materials flame retardancy was also improved according to limiting oxygen index and vertical burning test. Probable mechanism for (nano) composites properties enhancements are discussed. Copyright (C) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.