Fire retardant systems in poly(methyl methacrylate): Interactions between metal oxide nanoparticles and phosphinates

In the course of our investigations on halogen-free fire-retardant solutions for PMMA, the influence of oxide nanoparticles (TiO2, Al2O3) on the thermal stability and fire behaviour of PMMA blended with phosphinate additives (Exolit OP930 and OP1311) has been studied by thermogravimetric analysis and cone calorimetry. For each mixture, the residues obtained after combustion were examined and characterized by SEM, X-ray diffraction and X-ray microprobe analysis. Some synergistic effects were obtained between nanometric alumina and OP930 additive leading to the reduction of peak of heat released rate and of total heat released up to 30% and to the increase of time to ignition. From the results obtained, it can be proposed that OP930 and OP1311 act principally in the condensed phase, the presence of oxides playing a reinforcement role in the carbonaceous layer promoted by the phosphinate additives. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.