Development of Biodegradable Flame Retardant Polymer Nanocomposites

Abstract

Polymer composites are valued for their mechanical properties and lightweight, while environmental concerns boost interest in bio-based polymers. However, high flammability remains a major issue, and efforts to reduce it with flame-retardant fillers had limited success. Present work focuses on modifying cellulose nanocrystals through acid hydrolysis and green esterification, confirmed by FTIR, SEM, and XRD analyses, which reveal decreased XRD peak intensities, a carboxyl group peak in FTIR at 1721cm-1, and morphological changes in SEM. Further, modified cellulose nanocrystals are incorporated into the EPDM/PP composite to enhance flame retardancy and biodegradability. The m-CNC and MMT-clay EPDM/PP composite is processed via melting in an internal mixer and pressing with a hot presser to create Thermoplastic Vulcanizates (TPV's) nanocomposite sheet, which is shaped for further testing using methods such as UTM for mechanical properties. Flame retardancy is evaluated using UL-94 and LOI tests, while biodegradability is assessed through ASTM composting and photodegradation methods.