A Study of Fire Retardant Effect in Natural Fiber Composite Panels with Magnesium Hydroxide and Zinc Borate as Additives

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the fire retardancy effect of coconut coir, rice husk and sawdust panels which are incorporated with magnesium hydroxide (Mg (OH)2) and zinc borate (2ZnO∙3B2O3∙3.5H2O) as additives. The natural fiber and additives are mixed and cured for one week, with polyester resin and hardening catalyst as binders. Fire retardancy of these panels are tested according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Horizontal (D 365) and Vertical Burning (D 3801) tests. Principle of fire retardants and mechanism of polymer combustion are shown in this study too. The study revealed that the sawdust panels with both additives have the highest fire retardancy compared to rice husk and coconut coir panel with both additives.

Effect of ammonium polyphosphate on fire‐retardant, mechanical, and vibrational analysis of epoxy/glass/ramie hybrid composite

“…Even in low quantities, these chemicals are highly toxic. [ 28 ] Though, in contour with the global measure on the road to a greener environment, so it is strongly preferable to use halogen‐free FR rather than halogenated FR. [ 29 ] Different halogen‐free flame retardants exist like nitrogen‐based, intumescent types, metal hydrates, and phosphorus‐based.…”

Thermal Stability, Fire Performance, and Mechanical Properties of Natural Fibre Fabric-Reinforced Polymer Composites with Different Fire Retardants

“…The use of FRs for NFRP composites may inhibit or even suppress the combustion processes, for example during heating, decomposition, ignition, and flame spread [21]. Studies have shown that it is possible to enhance the fire resistance of NFRP composites by the incorporation of fire-retardant additives such as halogen, nitrogen and phosphorus-based compounds [22,23,24].…”

“…Depending on the polymer, additives, and fire conditions, gases such as hydrogen chloride (HCl), hydrogen fluoride (HF), hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and carbon monoxide (CO) may be produced in varying quantities from a burning composite. These compounds are considered toxic even at relatively low concentrations [23,24]. Phosphorus-based fire retardants are considered safer alternatives.…”