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Basalt fibers, similarly to other silicate fibers, can be introduced into both thermoplastic and thermosetting polymer matrices. In this work some basalt fiber reinforced polypropylene composites were investigated. The fiber‐matrix adhesion was improved by commercial and non‐commercial maleic anhydride derivatives. The latter types, called reactive surfactants, were prepared in laboratory scale and the progress of the syntheses was determined by Raman microscopy. The additives allowed performing reactive interface modification during the compounding process. Due to the interface modification with the additives in low concentration the mechanical properties improved. The boundary layers on the surface of the reinforcing fibers were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

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Polypropylene‐based composites were prepared containing non‐treated and various treated cotton fibre and wood flakes. A correlation was observed among the fibre treatment and compounding parameters, mechanical and discoloration properties. The structural changes in fibres were demonstrated by Raman spectroscopic and DSC measurements. The possibility for forming cellulose fibre containing flame retardant composites was also investigated. The efficiency of various treatments on compounding, discoloration and mechanical properties enhance in the following order: no treatment < non ionic surfactant < reactive silicone segment containing non ionic surfactant < special silylation treatment. The best results obtained with the special silylation treatment were explained with the more organophilic character and by the thermal stability of the treated fibres. Cellulose fibre as a polyol‐charring component and ammonium‐polyphosphate together constitute a high performance intumescent flame retardant system in the PP matrix.

Abstract. Flame retarded thermoplastic polymer compounds were prepared containing recycled rubber tyres, low density polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer and an intumescent additive system consisting of waste polyurethane foam and ammonium polyphosphate. The effect of the additives on the combustion properties was characterised by Limiting Oxygen Index, UL 94 and mass loss calorimetric measurements. The environmental impact was estimated by determining the gas components of CO2 and CO evolving from the compounds during the burning process using a gas analyser system constructed by coupling an FTIR unit to a mass loss calorimeter. The new material forms a thermoplastic rubber of excellent processability making it suitable for application in construction industry.

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A new type of interfacial additive has been developed by the authors recently. The molecules of amphiphilic character are capable of forming chemical bonds at both the polar and the apolar sides. These reactive surfactants have been synthesised in a specially designed computer-controlled reactor system. The aim of the development was to combine the advantages of nonreactive surfactants and reactive coupling agents, making possible an in-line reactive interface modification during the compounding process of the polymer system. The characteristics and effects of the synthesised compounds were determined using methods of analytical and colloid chemistry, like Raman microscopy, surface tension, contact angle and rheological measurements.