Flame Retardation of Banana Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites Using Melamine Pyrophosphate and Pentaerythritol as Intumescent Flame Retardants

Abstract

Flame retardation of banana fiber reinforced epoxy composites using melamine pyrophosphate and pentaerythritol as intumescent flame retardants and the influence of mechanical properties were investigated. The effects of IFR contents and the ratio of MPP and PER on limiting oxygen index (LOI) and UL94 rating of banana fiber reinforced epoxy composites has been studied. It was found that the combustion performance of the composites increases with increasing IFR contents,and the composites at the ratio of MPP/PER=2:1(weight ratio) at the same loading 40% showed the best combustion performance with IFR contents increasing,the limiting oxygen index (LOI) increased and UL94 rating reached, but the mechanical properties of composites significantly decreased. In order to increase the comprehensive properties, the flame retarded fiber was used to prepared the composites,the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of the composites significantly increased. the best complex properties were the IFR contents was 40%, the ratio of MPP/PER=2:1 (weight ratio), by the spraying method with 20g the fire retardant liquid of every 30g banana fiber.