Investigations on the flame retardant and crosslinking properties of polypropylene compounds grafted with nitrogen and phosphorus containing monomers

Research output: ThesisMaster's Thesis

Abstract

In the present work, the formation mechanisms and resulting properties of non- halogenated flame-retarded polypropylene (PP) were investigated. Monomers containing vinyl and phosphorus or nitrogen groups were grafted onto PP, and crosslinking of PP was attempted by means of three different mechanisms, in order to improve both the burning and the dripping properties. In the first part of the work, the monomers vinylphosphonic acid (VPA), 1-vinylimidazole (VIM), diethyl vinylphosphonate (DEVP) and 4- (diphenylphosphino)styrene (DPPS) were polymerised using various initiators (2,2′- azobis(2-methylpropionamidine)dihydrochloride (AIBA), 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) (AIBN) and dicumylperoxide), and studied in terms of reactivity. In the second part, the products showing the highest degree of polymerisation as determined by 1H-, 13C-, and 31P-NMR spectroscopy, i.e. VPA and VIM, were subsequently mixed with PP in the melt state, as well as with various initiators, industrial flame retardants and silanes. The burning and dripping properties of the compounds were investigated by fire tests, and classified according to a detailed scheme proposed in the present work. Oscillatory rheometry tests were used to characterise the materials’ crosslinking behaviour. High amounts of VPA (3 wt.-% of PP or more) in combination with PP, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate and dicumylperoxide were found to yield the most promising results. The application of smaller amounts of VPA did not result in immediate crosslinking. However, after annealing the compounds at room temperature for 24 hours, crosslinking could be observed. All successfully crosslinked compounds were found to behave as good anti- dripping agents. Differential scanning calorimetry experiments revealed the presence of a second crystal modification within the crosslinkable PP compounds, the β-modification, which can enhance the mechanical properties of the material. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the selection of the flame retardant or crosslinking additive does not impact the optimum processing temperature of the PP compounds.
Translated title of the contributionErforschung der Flammschutz- und Vernetzungseigenschaften von Polypropylencompounds, die mit stickstoff- und phosphorhältigen Monomeren gepfropft wurden
Original languageEnglish
QualificationDipl.-Ing.
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Mattausch, Hannelore, Co-Supervisor (internal)
  • Kern, Wolfgang, Supervisor (internal)
  • Rieß, Gisbert, Co-Supervisor (internal)
Award date30 Oct 2015
Publication statusPublished - 2015

Bibliographical note

embargoed until null

Keywords

  • polypropylene (PP)
  • grafted polypropylene
  • flame retardance
  • halogen-free
  • crosslinking
  • silane
  • vinylphosphonic acid
  • 1-vinylimidazole

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