Scientists at Volgograd Technical University have developed an additive for plastics that reduces its flammability and gives treated materials the ability to resist flame spread, outperforming traditional materials by five times.
The new additive consists of a solution containing copper and ammonium salts, as well as phosphoric acid. When mixed with a polymer, it forms a new structure that works in three directions simultaneously. Phosphorus creates a protective layer on the surface similar to a layer of coke, nitrogen releases non-flammable gases that reduce the intensity of the flame, and copper catalyzes chemical reactions that suppress the combustion process.
To achieve this effect, the additive requires no more than 8% of the total weight of the material, while the strength of the plastic remains almost constant. This composition also improves the fluidity of the raw material during production.
According to Sergey Borisov, an associate professor at the Department of Chemistry and Rubber Processing Technology of the university, polymer composites are widely used in the construction, aviation, electronics, and automotive industries, but their main drawback is their low fire resistance due to the high organic content.
