1
|
Porfyris AD, Vafeiadis A, Gkountela CI, Politidis C, Messaritakis G, Orfanoudakis E, Pavlidou S, Korres DM, Kyritsis A, Vouyiouka SN. Flame-Retarded and Heat-Resistant PP Compounds for Halogen-Free Low-Smoke Cable Protection Pipes (HFLS Conduits). Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1298. [PMID: 38732767 PMCID: PMC11085554 DOI: 10.3390/polym16091298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Conduits are plastic tubes extensively used to safeguard electrical cables, traditionally made from PVC. Recent safety guidelines seek alternatives due to PVC's emission of thick smoke and toxic gases upon fire incidents. Polypropylene (PP) is emerging as a viable alternative but requires modification with suitable halogen-free additives to attain flame retardancy (FR) while maintaining high mechanical strength and weathering resistance, especially for outdoor applications. The objective of this study was to develop two FR systems for PP: one comprising a cyclic phosphonate ester and a monomeric N-alkoxy hindered amine adjuvant achieving V0, and another with hypophosphite and bromine moieties, along with a NOR-HAS adjuvant achieving V2. FR performance along with mechanical properties, physicochemical characterization, and dielectric behavior were evaluated prior to and after 2000 h of UV weathering or heat ageing. The developed FR systems set the basis for the production of industrial-scale masterbatches, from which further optimization to minimize FR content was performed via melt mixing with PP towards industrialization of a low-cost FR formulation. Accordingly, two types of corrugated conduits (ø20 mm) were manufactured. Their performance in terms of flame propagation, impact resistance, smoke density, and accelerated UV weathering stability classified them as Halogen Free Low Smoke (HFLS) conduits; meanwhile, they meet EU conduit standards without significantly impacting conduit properties or industrial processing efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios D. Porfyris
- Laboratory of Polymer Technology, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zographou Campus, 15780 Athens, Greece; (A.V.); (C.I.G.); (D.M.K.)
| | - Afxentis Vafeiadis
- Laboratory of Polymer Technology, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zographou Campus, 15780 Athens, Greece; (A.V.); (C.I.G.); (D.M.K.)
| | - Christina I. Gkountela
- Laboratory of Polymer Technology, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zographou Campus, 15780 Athens, Greece; (A.V.); (C.I.G.); (D.M.K.)
| | - Christos Politidis
- Dielectrics Group, School of Applied Mathematical and Physical Sciences, National Technical University of Athens, Zographou Campus, 15780 Athens, Greece; (C.P.); (A.K.)
| | | | | | - Silvia Pavlidou
- MIRTEC S.A., 76th km of Athens-Lamia National Road, 32009 Schimatari, Greece;
| | - Dimitrios M. Korres
- Laboratory of Polymer Technology, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zographou Campus, 15780 Athens, Greece; (A.V.); (C.I.G.); (D.M.K.)
| | - Apostolos Kyritsis
- Dielectrics Group, School of Applied Mathematical and Physical Sciences, National Technical University of Athens, Zographou Campus, 15780 Athens, Greece; (C.P.); (A.K.)
| | - Stamatina N. Vouyiouka
- Laboratory of Polymer Technology, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zographou Campus, 15780 Athens, Greece; (A.V.); (C.I.G.); (D.M.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nzimande MC, Mtibe A, Tichapondwa S, John MJ. A Review of Weathering Studies in Plastics and Biocomposites-Effects on Mechanical Properties and Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1103. [PMID: 38675023 PMCID: PMC11054226 DOI: 10.3390/polym16081103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Polymeric materials undergo degradation when exposed to outdoor conditions due to the synergistic effects of sunlight, air, heat, and moisture. The degradation can lead to a decline in mechanical properties, fading, surface cracking, and haziness, attributed to the cleavage of the polymer chains and oxidation reactions. Accelerated weathering testing is a useful technique to evaluate the comparative photodegradation of materials within a reasonable timeframe. This review gives an overview of the different degradation mechanisms occurring in conventional plastics and bio-based materials. Case studies on accelerated weathering and its effect on the mechanical properties of conventional plastics and biocomposites are discussed. Different techniques for analysing volatile organic emissions (VOCs) have been summarized and studies highlighting the characterization of VOCs from aged plastics and biocomposites after aging have been cited.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monwabisi Cyril Nzimande
- Centre for Nanostructures and Advanced Materials, Chemicals Cluster, CSIR, Pretoria 6011, South Africa; (M.C.N.); (A.M.)
- Water Utilization and Environmental Engineering Division, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa;
| | - Asanda Mtibe
- Centre for Nanostructures and Advanced Materials, Chemicals Cluster, CSIR, Pretoria 6011, South Africa; (M.C.N.); (A.M.)
| | - Shepherd Tichapondwa
- Water Utilization and Environmental Engineering Division, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa;
| | - Maya Jacob John
- Centre for Nanostructures and Advanced Materials, Chemicals Cluster, CSIR, Pretoria 6011, South Africa; (M.C.N.); (A.M.)
- Department of Chemistry, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
da Silveira PHPM, dos Santos MCC, Chaves YS, Ribeiro MP, Marchi BZ, Monteiro SN, Gomes AV, Tapanes NDLCO, Pereira PSDC, Bastos DC. Characterization of Thermo-Mechanical and Chemical Properties of Polypropylene/Hemp Fiber Biocomposites: Impact of Maleic Anhydride Compatibilizer and Fiber Content. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3271. [PMID: 37571165 PMCID: PMC10422450 DOI: 10.3390/polym15153271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This article presents a comprehensive study on the physical, mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of polypropylene (PP) composites reinforced with hemp fibers (HF) and compatibilized with maleic anhydride (MAPP). The composites were processed using a twin-screw extruder, followed by hot compression at 190 °C. Subsequently, the composites were analyzed using Izod impact and Shore D hardness tests to evaluate their mechanical properties. Thermal properties were investigated through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), while X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to study their chemical properties. Additionally, a statistical analysis was conducted to compare the average results of the impact and hardness tests. XRD analysis revealed that the addition of HF and MAPP led to the disappearance of peaks corresponding to the beta phase in pure PP. Hemp fibers exhibited an impressive crystallinity of 82.10%, surpassing other natural fibers, and had a significant molecular orientation angle (MFA) of 6.06°, making them highly desirable for engineering applications. The crystallite size was observed to be relatively large, at 32.49 nm. FTIR analysis demonstrated strong interactions between the fiber, compatibilizing agent, and polymer matrix. TGA tests showed that the addition of 5 and 10 wt.% MAPP resulted in complete degradation of the composites, similar to pure PP. DSC analyses indicated a reduction in crystallinity (Xc) due to the incorporation of HF and MAPP. Shore D hardness tests revealed an increase in hardness with the addition of 5 wt.% MAPP, while a steep decline in this property was observed with 10 wt.% MAPP. In terms of impact resistance, fractions of 3 and 5 wt.% MAPP in the composites exhibited improved performance compared to the pure polymer. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to ensure the statistical reliability of the mechanical test results. This comprehensive study sheds light on the diverse properties of PP composites reinforced with hemp fibers and compatibilized with MAPP, emphasizing their potential as sustainable materials for engineering applications. The results contribute to the understanding of the structural and functional aspects of these composites, guiding future research and developments in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Henrique Poubel Mendonça da Silveira
- Department of Materials Science, Military Institute of Engineering-IME, Praça General Tibúrcio, 80, Urca, Rio de Janeiro 22290-270, Brazil; (Y.S.C.); (M.P.R.); (B.Z.M.); (S.N.M.); (A.V.G.)
| | - Mônica Cristina Celestino dos Santos
- Department of Materials, Rio de Janeiro State University, West Zone Campus —UERJ-ZO, Avenida, Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga, 1203—Campo Grande, Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, Brazil; (M.C.C.d.S.); (N.d.L.C.O.T.); (P.S.d.C.P.); (D.C.B.)
| | - Yago Soares Chaves
- Department of Materials Science, Military Institute of Engineering-IME, Praça General Tibúrcio, 80, Urca, Rio de Janeiro 22290-270, Brazil; (Y.S.C.); (M.P.R.); (B.Z.M.); (S.N.M.); (A.V.G.)
| | - Matheus Pereira Ribeiro
- Department of Materials Science, Military Institute of Engineering-IME, Praça General Tibúrcio, 80, Urca, Rio de Janeiro 22290-270, Brazil; (Y.S.C.); (M.P.R.); (B.Z.M.); (S.N.M.); (A.V.G.)
| | - Belayne Zanini Marchi
- Department of Materials Science, Military Institute of Engineering-IME, Praça General Tibúrcio, 80, Urca, Rio de Janeiro 22290-270, Brazil; (Y.S.C.); (M.P.R.); (B.Z.M.); (S.N.M.); (A.V.G.)
| | - Sergio Neves Monteiro
- Department of Materials Science, Military Institute of Engineering-IME, Praça General Tibúrcio, 80, Urca, Rio de Janeiro 22290-270, Brazil; (Y.S.C.); (M.P.R.); (B.Z.M.); (S.N.M.); (A.V.G.)
| | - Alaelson Vieira Gomes
- Department of Materials Science, Military Institute of Engineering-IME, Praça General Tibúrcio, 80, Urca, Rio de Janeiro 22290-270, Brazil; (Y.S.C.); (M.P.R.); (B.Z.M.); (S.N.M.); (A.V.G.)
| | - Neyda de La Caridad Om Tapanes
- Department of Materials, Rio de Janeiro State University, West Zone Campus —UERJ-ZO, Avenida, Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga, 1203—Campo Grande, Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, Brazil; (M.C.C.d.S.); (N.d.L.C.O.T.); (P.S.d.C.P.); (D.C.B.)
| | - Patricia Soares da Costa Pereira
- Department of Materials, Rio de Janeiro State University, West Zone Campus —UERJ-ZO, Avenida, Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga, 1203—Campo Grande, Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, Brazil; (M.C.C.d.S.); (N.d.L.C.O.T.); (P.S.d.C.P.); (D.C.B.)
| | - Daniele Cruz Bastos
- Department of Materials, Rio de Janeiro State University, West Zone Campus —UERJ-ZO, Avenida, Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga, 1203—Campo Grande, Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, Brazil; (M.C.C.d.S.); (N.d.L.C.O.T.); (P.S.d.C.P.); (D.C.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang J, Hirschberg V, Rodrigue D. Mechanical fatigue of recycled and virgin high‐/low‐density polyethylene. J Appl Polym Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/app.53312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering and CERMA Université Laval Quebec Canada
| | - Valerian Hirschberg
- Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Engesserstraße 18 Karlsruhe Germany
| | - Denis Rodrigue
- Department of Chemical Engineering and CERMA Université Laval Quebec Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chagas GN, Barros MM, Leão AGD, Tapanes NDLCO, Ribeiro RCDC, Bastos DC. A hybrid green composite for automotive industry. POLIMEROS 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/0104-1428.20220027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|