Research Information System
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
The use of polymers is increasing rapidly, and the low-temperature flammabilities of natural and synthetic polymers are vital in a possible fire. The most effective method to retard combustion, prevent flame, suppress smoke, and reduce glare is the preparation of polymer composites using additives. In this study, environmentally friendly non-halogen zinc borate (Zn3B2O6) nanoparticles were synthesized by the solution combustion method, which is a time and energy-saving method, as a flame retardant, and the effects of fuel types and amounts were also investigated. The products were systematically characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and surface analyzer. The glycine was found to be a suitable fuel, and the glycine-assisted synthesized zinc borate has an 11.76 m2/g BET surface area, 66.45 & Aring; pore size, and 0.0195 cm3/g pore volume. The Zn3B2O6 with dimensions of approximately 20-30 nm were immobilized into the polyethylene and polypropylene via solvent mixing and melt mixer method, respectively. Both methods ensured homogeneous mixing, and adding Zn3B2O6 to the polymers delayed the combustion temperature. In addition, the effect of zinc borate with montmorillonite (MMT) on the thermal stability of polymers was investigated. It was seen that using zinc borate and MMT together led to increased decomposition temperatures in polypropylene polymers rather than polyethylene polymers. Based on the analysis, the types and combinations of additives affect the thermal stability of composites.