Performances of a Polymeric Intumescent Flame Retardant in Styrene Butadiene Rubber

A polymeric intumescent flame retardant, PPVAM, was synthesized by the reaction of polyvinyl alcohol with phosphoric acid, and further with melamine. Flame-retardant properties of PPVAM in styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) were evaluated by using LOI and UL-94 test, and thermal decomposition and char of SBR/PPVAM composites were investigated by thermogravimetry, Muffle and SEM. The results indicate that SBR/PPVAM composites on burning can produce a multi-celluar char, resulting in good flame-retardant properties. The SBR/PPVAM composites after 70°C water treatment for 7 days still maintain good flame retardancy. Moreover, mechanical properties of SBR/PPVAM composites are studied.