A review of flame retardant polypropylene fibres.pdf
A review of flame retardant polypropylene fibres
Sheng Zhang*, A. Richard Horrocks
Centre for Materials Research and Innovation (CMRI), Bolton Institute, Bolton BL3 5AB, UK
Received 12 March 2003; revised 26 August 2003; accepted 5 September 2003
Abstract:
Flame retardants for polypropylene (PP) and their potential suitability for use in fibre applications are reviewed. Five principal types of generic flame retardant systems for inclusion in polypropylene fibres have been identified as phosphorus- containing, halogen-containing, silicon-containing, metal hydrate and oxide and the more recently developed nanocomposite flame retardant formulations.
The most effective to date comprise halogen–antimony and phosphorus–bromine combinations, which while having limited performance also are falling environmental pressures. Alternatives are discussed as well as means of enhancing the effectiveness and hence usefulness of phosphorus–nitrogen formulations normally used at concentrations too high for fibre inclusion. Of special interest is the potential for inclusion of functionalised nanoclays and recent observations that certain hindered amine stabilisers are effective at concentrations of 1% or so. q 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.