additives feature | Flame retardants


Table 3: Emerald 1000 in PP copolymer Emerald 1000 FR 1 FR 2 26.0 V-0


Fr load, % ul-94 @ 1.6 mm


Tensile strength, mpa Strain at yield, %


Flexural strength, mpa Flexural modulus, mpa notched izod impact, J/m mFi, g/10min, 230°c/2.16 kg


Heat deflection Temperature at 1.8mpa, ˚c loi, %


Table 4: Emerald 1000 in HDPE


Fr load, % ATo, %


ul-94, 1.6 mm


Tensile Strength, mpa Elongation at Yield % Flexural Strength, mpa


FR1 - DecaBDE FR2 - Decabromodiphenyl ethane


loading of 12%. Fr3 was tested at a higher loading to compensate for its lower bromine content. All formula- tions also contained 4% ATo, which is typically used as a synergist with brominated Frs in thermoplastics. properties evaluated included the melt flow index


(mFi) and Vicat softening point, which is an indication of the temperature at which moulded parts may deform. The mFi results indicates that Emerald 1000 will result in a minimal change in the melt processing conditions as compared to decaBdE, while the Vicat test indicates that in HipS, the new additive will have at least the same level of resistance to heat-induced warpage. Similarly in ABS resin, Emerald 1000 exhibited good efficiency in terms of the loading level required to achieve a V0 rating in the ul-94 vertical burn test. it also showed good compatibility with the polymer, leading to good retention of physical properties. The properties summarised in Table 2 indicate that Emerald 1000 offers good impact resistance while maintaining a high heat deflection temperature (HdT), strain at break and tensile properties.


Progress in polyolefins The flammability and mechanical properties of Emerald 1000 in a pp copolymer are summarised in Table 3. A comparable balance of melt flow, tensile strength,


52 compounding world | december 2011


Emerald 1000 FR 1 FR 2 19.0 6.3 V-0


19.0 6.3 V-0


27.3 7.6


26.8


23.9 7.6


26.4


19.0 6.3 V-0


23.9 7.5


26.0


19.3 2.49 31.7


1159.3 89.7


22.15 103.9 25.25


26.0 V-0


19.4 2.67 33.3


26.0 V-0


17.5 2.70 30.1


1279.3 1420.0 75.8


105.7


17.84 16.30 99.2


103.3 24.39 24.75


elongation and impact properties are achieved when compared to Fr1 and Fr2. Emerald 1000 was also found to be equally effective as a Fr in talc-filled polyolefins and can be extended to other filled systems. A further test of the efficiency of the new Fr was


also conducted. pp copolymers containing equal amounts of Fr and synergist for three different additives were subjected to the limiting oxygen index test (loi), which measures the amount of oxygen required to maintain a flame as a sample is burned. A higher percentage of oxygen being required to sustain a flame during the test indicates greater fire resistance. Emerald 1000 was found to have a slightly higher loi


value than the other Fr systems in pp (Table 3). Therefore, it may be possible to use reduced loadings of the new flame retardant, depending on the specific formulation requirements. For wire and cable applications where HdpE is


widely used, Emerald 1000 has been found to be a good drop-in replacement for decaBdE (Fr1) and decabro- modiphenyl ethane (Fr2). The basic properties of Emerald 1000 in HdpE are shown in Table 4. it can be seen that the new additive provides equivalent or better performance than the traditional Frs.


Recyclability recyclability of thermoplastics used for production of injection moulded parts is essential both at the beginning and end of the life-cycle of the parts in order to minimise costs in the manufacturing operation and to manage post-consumer waste. Emerald 1000 exhibits excellent recyclability and good property retention after multiple cycling in injection moulded materials. in a study conducted with Emerald 1000, a total of


five injection moulding cycles were carried out in which 25% of a moulded HipS formulation from sprue and gate was ground and added back into the next cycle. Excellent property retention was seen in the ul-94 flammability tests, notched izod impact tests and colour evaluations.


Conclusions As the transition from decaBdE to alternatives continues over the coming months and years, there will be increasing demand for effective alternatives. The studies presented in this article demonstrate that Emerald 1000 provides an excellent option for decaBdE replacement with a better overall match to its physical and rheological properties than other available alternatives. Extensive evaluations of Emerald 1000 are ongoing as great lakes Solutions prepares for com- mercial production. ❙ www.greatlakes.com


www.compoundingworld.com


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68