Study of the Fire Performance of Magnesium Hydroxide Sulfate Hydrate Whisker Flame Retardant Polyethylene

Abstract Summary: Halogen‐free, flame retardant low density polyethylene (LDPE) composites, using magnesium hydroxide sulfate hydrate (MHSH) whiskers as a flame retardant, combined with microencapsulated red phosphorous (MRP) as a synergist, have been prepared using a two‐roll mill. Their fire properties were determined by using the limiting oxygen index (LOI), the UL‐94 test and cone calorimetry. The results showed that MRP was a good synergist in improving the flame retardance of the LDPE/MHSH whisker system. Poly[ethylene‐ co ‐(vinyl acetate)] (EVA), used as a compatibilizer, increased the fire performance of LDPE/MHSH whisker composites. HRR curves for LDPE/MHSH whisker composites. magnified image HRR curves for LDPE/MHSH whisker composites.