The influence of KH-550 on properties of ammonium polyphosphate and polypropylene flame retardant composites

Ammonium polyphosphate (APP)/polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared by melt blending and extrusion in a twin-screw extruder. APP was first modified by a silane coupling agent KH-550 then added to polypropylene. The surface modification of APP by the coupling agent decreased its water solubility and its interface compatibility with the PP matrix. Limiting oxygen index (LOI) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to characterize the flame retardant property and the thermal stability of the composites. The addition of APP improved the flame retardancy of PP remarkably. The crystal structures of APP/PP composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results indicated that beta-crystal phase PP may be formed. The structures and morphologies of APP, KH-550/APP and APP/PP composites were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The mechanical property tests showed good mechanical properties of composite materials. Compared with unmodified one, the impact strength, tensile strength and elongation of modified APP/PP were all improved. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.