Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Calcium Carbonate And Ammonium Polyphosphate-Based Flame Retardant Composition For Polypropylene, Sarang Deodhar, Kadhiravan Shanmuganathan, Qinguo Fan, Charles A. Wilkie, Maurius C. Costache, Nicholas A. Dembsey, Prabir K. Patra

Chemistry Faculty Research and Publications

The chemical mode of action as a flame retardant of calcium carbonate nanoparticles combined with ammonium polyphosphate in polypropylene was investigated. Reduction in burning rates for 0.5 mm thick samples were observed without appreciable char formation up to 30 wt % loading of additives. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the mixture of CaCO₃ and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) showed that calcium carbonate nanoparticles react with ammonium polyphosphate before the degradation of the phosphate chains. TGA–FTIR studies of the polymer composite samples and powder mixtures of the additives confirmed the evolution of ammonia and carbon dioxide due to interaction between the additives. …