Bio-Based Polyamide 1010 with a Halogen-Free Flame Retardant Based on Melamine–Gallic Acid Complex

• Main Authors: Nicoleta Levinta, Mihai Cosmin Corobea, Zina Vuluga, Cristian-Andi Nicolae, Augusta Raluca Gabor, Valentin Raditoiu, Mariana Osiac, George-Mihail Teodorescu, Mircea Teodorescu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-07-01
• Series: Polymers
• Subjects: bio-based polyamide; flame retardant; composites; melamine; gallic acid
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/12/7/1482

This work aims at developing polyamide 1010 (PA1010) composites with improved fire behavior using a halogen-free flame-retardant system based on melamine (Me) and gallic acid (GA) complexes (MA). The MA complexes were formed by hydrogen bonding, starting from 1:2, 1:1, 2:1 Me:GA molar ratios. PA1010 composites were obtained by melt mixing, followed by compression molding. MA provided a plasticizing effect on the PA1010 matrix by decreasing the glass transition temperature. The influence of MA on PA1010 chain packaging was highlighted in the X-ray diffraction patterns, mainly in the amorphous phase, but affected also the α and γ planes. This was reflected in the dynamic mechanical properties by the reduction of the storage modulus. H-bonds occurrence in MA complexes, improved the efficiency in the gaseous form during fire exposure, facilitating the gas formation and finally reflected in thermal stability, thermo-oxidative stability, LOI results, and vertical burning behavior results. PA1010 containing a higher amount of GA in the complex (MA12) displayed a limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 33.6%, much higher when compared to neat PA1010 (25.8%). Vertical burning tests showed that all the composites can achieve the V-0 rating in contrast with neat PA1010 that has V-2 classification.