Preparation of polyamide 6 with reduced flammability by polymerization casting

Abstract

AbstractThe paper describes the preparation of polyamide 6 with reduced flammability by anionic in situ polymerization of ε-caprolactam in the presence of flame retardants, a method not described in the literature. Selected inorganic and brominated organic flame retardants were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis. Polymerization tests were used to test the compatibility of flame retardants with the components of the initiation system of anionic polymerization. Based on their results, polyamide plates for the preparation of test specimens were prepared by the method of polymerization casting in a mold. The content of water-extractable portions did not exceed 3%, i.e., the conversion of monomer into polymer took place to a high degree. The presence of flame retardants both inorganic and brominated organic in the polymer matrix did not affect the thermal stability, the content of the crystalline phase and also the mechanical properties. Samples containing brominated organic flame retarders were classified as V-0 according to the UL94 methodology.