Influence of phthalocyanine pigments on the properties of flame-retardant elastomeric composites based on styrene-butadiene or acrylonitrile-butadiene rubbers

Abstract

A study about the influence of the impartment of phthalocyanine pigments into elastomeric composites was conducted. Acrylonitrile-butadiene (NBR) and styrene-butadiene (SBR) rubbers crosslinked by either sulfur or dicumyl peroxide were filled with non-toxic flame retardants (Mg(OH)2 or Al(OH)3) and thermally stable pigments (zinc or chloroaluminum phthalocyanines). Determination of cross-linking degree, mechanical properties, aging coefficient, thermal analysis (TG, DTG, DTA) and flammability tests (oxygen index, combustion in air) were carried out. The addition of the pigments, apart from the impartment of blue or blue-green color to elastomeric composites, in numerous cases improved their mechanical properties, thermal stability, limited flammability and allowed obtaining self-extinguishing materials in atmospheric air.