Effect of montmorillonite on the flame-resistant and mechanical properties of intumescent flame-retardant poly(butylene succinate) composites

Organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) was used as synergist to enhance the flame-retardant and mechanical properties of poly(butylene succinate)/intumescent flame retardant (PBS/IFR) composites. The flame-retardant, thermal degradation and combustion properties of PBS and its flame-retardant composites were characterized by limiting oxygen index (LOI) test, vertical burning (UL-94) test, thermogravimetric analysis, cone calorimeter and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The results indicate that PBS/IFR composites exhibit excellent flame retardance when OMMT is at an appropriate content. PBS/IFR composite with 20 wt% IFR and 1.5 wt% OMMT has an LOI of 40.1% and can pass the UL-94 V0 rating. The synergistic effect between OMMT and IFR on the flame-retardant properties of PBS depends on the content of OMMT, and excessive OMMT diminish this synergistic effect. The possible flame-retardant mechanism of OMMT on PBS/IFR composite is proposed. The results of mechanical test also indicate that OMMT can effectively increase the notched impact strength of PBS/IFR composites.