Influence synergetic effect of halloysite nanotubes and halogen-free flame-retardants on properties nitrile rubber composites

In this study, the effect of simultaneous actions of halloysite and commonly used halogen-free flame-retardant compounds, such as antimony trioxide, magnesium hydroxide and melamine cyanurate on the thermal and mechanical properties as well as flammability and fire hazard of butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber (NBR) composites was examined. Based on the analysis of thermal curves (DTA, TG, DTG), it has been found that the effect of the flame-retardant compounds used on the thermal stability and processes of halloysite-filled NBR depends on the method of the elastomer cross-linking. The flame-retardant compounds used significantly reduce the flammability and fire hazard of the halloysite-filled NBR. As a result of simultaneous synergic action of the flame-retardant compound and nanofiller, self-extinguishing elastomeric materials with good mechanical properties have been obtained. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.