Flammability, degradation and structural characterization of fibre-forming polypropylene containing nanoclay-flame retardant combinations

We have shown previously that the introduction of nanoclays can reduce the flammability of synthetic fibre-forming polymers like polyamides 6 and 6.6 only if used in conjunction with conventional flame retardants. In this work we report initial studies of the effects of dispersed nanoclays with low concentrations of selected flame retardants introduced into polypropylene on flammability, thermal degradation and X-ray diffraction behaviours. Flame retardants used include ammonium polyphosphate as a conventional char-former and a hindered amine stabiliser known to have flame retarding characteristics in polypropylene.