The effect of a phosphorus-based FR on the fire performance and flammability properties of basalt fiber-reinforced acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene composites

This study focuses on the improvement in fire performance, and flame retardancy (FR) properties of chopped basalt fiber-reinforced acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) composites. For this purpose, different amounts of aluminum diethyl phosphinate (AlPi) compound (5, 10, and 15 wt%) were incorporated in the composites. The FR properties of the composites were examined via limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL-94 standard, and mass loss calorimeter tests. Thermogravimetric analysis was carried out to analyze the decomposition behavior of the composites. SEM inspection was also performed to examine the char surfaces of the composites. The results and findings showed that the introduction of AlPi compound into the composite structure leads to promotion in the char yield and improves the fire performance of the ABS matrix. As the added amount of AlPi into the composite increased, the LOI value of the composite increased. The addition of 15 wt% AlPi resulted in a UL-94 rating of V1 and the LOI value of 31.4%.