Synergistic Effects of Iron Alginate on Improving the Fire Safety and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Resin/Ammonium Polyphosphate Composites
Chang Liu, Ping Li, Ying‐Jun Xu, Yun Liu, Ping Zhu
Abstract
Abstract Iron alginate is chosen as an eco‐friendly synergist to improve the flame retardancy, smoke suppression, and mechanical properties of epoxy resin/ammonium polyphosphate composites (EP/APP). The suitable additive amount of iron alginate further enhances the char‐forming ability in the higher‐temperature range and flame retardancy of EP/APP. EP/APP 9.0 ‐iron alginate 1.0 retains a char residue of 33.3% at 700 °C and obtains a limiting oxygen index value of 28.4% and vertical burning test (UL‐94) V‐0 rating, while EP/APP 10 has no UL‐94 rating. The burning behaviors of EP/APP 9.0 ‐iron alginate 1.0 are also suppressed; and the total smoke production value is much lower than that of EP/APP 10 . EP/APP 9.0 ‐iron alginate 1.0 releases less smoke and flammable fragments. The suitable additive amount of iron alginate boosts the mechanical properties of EP/APP, while APP destroys the mechanical properties of EP. Therefore, the addition of suitable amount of iron alginates can further reduce the fire hazard, and improve the mechanical properties of EP/APP composites.