Preparation and characterization of flame-retardant polypropylene/α-titanium phosphate (nano)composites

Abstract

Polymer/α-titanium phosphate (nano)composites are reported for the first time in this paper. The α-titanium phosphate was synthesized via the hydrothermal method and organically modified by ethylamine intercalation. Flame retardant polypropylene/α-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°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. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.