Correlation of the results of small-scale methods for estimating the flammability of polymer composite materials

Introduction. The introduction provides a brief analysis of laboratory methods for assessing the flammability of polymer materials. It is noted that there is virtually no data in the scientific and technical literature on the correlation of results obtained using small-scale methods for assessing the flammability of polymer composite materials (PCM).

Goals and objectives. The aim of this study is to establish a correlation between the results of small-scale methods for assessing the ignitability and flammability of PCM used in the Russian Federation. The research objectives include: obtaining specimens of PCM based on thermoplastic polymers and reactive oligomers, including gas-filled polymers; determining the flammability of PCM according to standard and laboratory methods; analyzing the results of small-scale methods for evaluating the flammability of the obtained polymer materials.

Materials and methods. The study objects included PCM based on PVC, syntheti.rubbers, and reactive oligomers containing various fillers, plasticizers, and flame retardants. The flammability of PCM was determined according to the current standards and methods described in the scientific literature.

Research results. A correlation was established between the oxygen index (OI) of the studied PCM and the results of other small-scale methods for evaluating the flammability of polymer materials.

Conclusions. It is shown that the OI of moderately flammable PCM should exceed 27 %, while for weakly flammable materials it should be over 31 %. It was revealed that the oxygen index method can be used in the development of next-generation PCM with reduced flammability and a specified set of operational characteristics.

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