Chemically crosslinked polyethylene foams of limited flammability (Rapid Communication)

Abstract

A method to prepare chemically crosslinked polyethylene foams from a mixture consisting of polyethylene, foaming agent, crosslinking agent, antioxidant and flame retardant was discussed in this paper. The extrusion was carried out using a twin-screw extruder (temperature of barrel zones: 100, 110, 125 and 125 °C). Crosslinking process of the extruded material was performed at 160 °C for 5 min. The polyethylene films were foamed in silicon oil at 225 °C for 2 min. The influence of the content of flame retardant on density, hardness, flammability and tensile strength of the obtained foamwas determined.