Addition of flame retardants in epoxy mortars: Thermal and mechanical characterization

In this work we have studied the effect of different flame retardants on the fire behavior and mechanical properties of epoxy mortars. Flame retardants acting under different mechanisms of action have been compared: phosphate flame retardants as well as magnesium hydroxides and carbonates. Besides the commercial flame retardants we have also used a magnesium basic carbonate obtained from an industrial by-product. The use of an alternative based on an industrial by-product combines an economic and sustainable solution. Different formulations of flame retarded epoxy mortars have been prepared and characterized. The obtained results prove the effectiveness of the tested flame retardants on the improvement of the fire properties of the epoxy mortars without a significant decrease on their mechanical properties.

► We analyze and improve the fire behavior of epoxy mortars.
► A by-product (HyM) has been used as flame retardant and compared with commercial ones.
► HyM mortar shows a higher auto-extinguish ability and a reduction in the smoke release.
► Mechanical properties were only slightly affected by the addition of flame retardants.