Development of Non-Halogen Flame Retardant Polymer Material through Analysis of Mechanical Properties and Flame Retardancy

Parts fabricated from polymers, such as vehicle interior materials, have advantages in terms of cost and weight reduction. However, they are highly flammable and can be difficult to extinguish, and thus present a potential hazard to passengers. The development of flame retardant polymers is thus urgently required. One potential method is the addition of a non-halogen flame retardant; however, this can cause a deterioration of mechanical properties. In this paper, a study was conducted to develop a non-halogen flame retardant polymer material realizing both flame retardancy and favorable mechanical properties. The mechanical properties and flame retardancy were analyzed according to the flame retardant content, and the appropriate non-halogen flame retardant content was determined. POE (polyolefin elastomer) and compatibilizers were added to improve impact strength. Thereafter, a flame retardant paint (with a flame retardant content of 15 wt%) was applied to the material, and a flame retardancy test was conducted for various paint thicknesses. These tests confirmed that the impact strength of the material could be reinforced using POE, but at the cost of reduced flame retardancy and tensile strength. However, the specimens with flame retardant paint thicknesses of 60 mu m and 120 mu m successfully achieved the required flame retardancy.