Output details
13 - Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Metallurgy and Materials
University of Central Lancashire
Effect of metal chelates on the ignition and early flaming behaviour of intumescent fire-retarded polyethylene systems
This reports an astonishing doubling of the ignition delay times (from around 150s to 300s) of intumescent PE samples on addition of only 0.2% copper salicylaldoxime. This is believed to result from inhibition of the attack of hydroperoxyl radicals on the polymer surface, inhibiting chain scission and fuel formation. Fire retardants rarely show any significant effect below 5% loading, and often much higher. Crucially, it heralds a new approach to fire retardancy, by preventing initial polymer decomposition (leading to gas phase fuel formation) rather than gas phase flame inhibition, endothermic filler decomposition or barrier formation.
