Synergistic Use of Talc in Halogen-Free Flame Retarded Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Blends

摘要

Pyrolysis, flammability, fire behavior, melt viscosity, and gas diffusion of bisphenol A polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC/ABS) were investigated, with bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate) (BDP), with 10 wt.% talc and with BDP in combination with 5, 10 and 20 wt.% talc, respectively. Compared to PC/ABS, PC/ABS + BDP results in an increased decomposition temperature of PC, a higher char yield, a significantly increased LOI, a V-0 classification in UL 94, a reduced peak heat release rate (pHRR), and a reduced total heat release (THR) in the cone calorimeter. This efficient flame retardancy is due to mechanisms in both the gas and condensed phases. PC/ABS + 10 wt.% talc shows a decrease in the PC decomposition temperature. The fire behavior is improved in part compared to PC/ABS, with an increased LOI and reduced pHRR. PC/ABS + BDP + 10 wt.% talc shows a strong synergism in LOI, a V-0 classification, and a decrease in pHRR, whereas THR is slightly increased compared to PC/ABS + BDP. Talc decreases the gas diffusion and enhances the flow limit for low shear rates, both of which influence the pyrolysis and flammability results. Further, talc improves the protection properties of the fire residues. Nevertheless it also partly suppresses flame inhibition and the charring effect of BDP. The synergism between BDP and talc in LOI is obtained even for low talc loadings in PC/ABS + BDP + talc, whereas for higher loadings saturation is observed.