The effects of boron compounds synergists with ammonium polyphosphate on mechanical properties and burning rates of wood-HDPE polymer composites

Abstract

The effects of boron compounds (BCs) utilization as synergists with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) on the mechanical and burning rate properties of wood polymer composites (WPCs) manufactured from wood flour, high density polyethylene, maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene and flame retardants (FRs) at various ratios (APP, boric acid (BA), borax (BX) and BA/BX mixtures) by an extrusion method were tested. The results showed that all the additions to FRs reduced mechanical properties of WPCs except for impact strength, but the reduction was lower for samples which include BCs in FRs formulation. BCs act as synergists. Burning rate of all FRs added WPCs were similar. This study indicated that the use of BCs as synergists with APP will provide a relatively inexpensive, environmentally friendly and halogen-free FRs alternative to the industry. The experimental findings may be used to increase the use of BCs in FRs polymers and WPCs manufacturing.