The effect of boron-containing layered hydroxy salt (LHS) on the thermal stability and degradation kinetics of poly (methyl methacrylate)

A boron-containing layered hydroxy salt (LHS), ZHTMDBB, was prepared and compounded with a highly flammable synthetic polymer, poly (methyl methacrylate) {PMMA}, via melt blending: the composite structure was intercalated with poor dispersion. The effect of this LHS on the flammability, thermal stability and degradation kinetics of PMMA was investigated via cone calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The addition of 3-10% by mass of ZHTMDBB to PMMA resulted in significant reduction of peak heat release rate (22-48%) of the polymer and improvements in thermal stability were observed in both air and nitrogen. Effective activation energies for the degradation process were evaluated using Flynn-Wall-Ozawa, Friedman, and Kissinger methods. All three methods indicated that the additive increased the activation energies of the first step of the degradation process in both air and nitrogen. Activation energies of the second step were lowered in nitrogen but were not significantly affected in air.