Flame retardancy mechanisms of aluminium phosphinate in combination with melamine polyphosphate and zinc borate in glass-fibre reinforced polyamide 6,6

The fire retardancy mechanisms of aluminium diethylphosphinate in combination with melamine polyphosphate and zinc borate was analysed in glass-fibre reinforced polyamide 6,6. The influence of phosphorus compounds on the polyamide decomposition pathways was characterized using thermal analysis (TG), evolved gas analysis (TG-FTIR), and FTIR-ATR analysis of the residue. The Lewis acid-base interactions between the flame retardants, the amide unit, and the metal ions control the decomposition. The flammability (LOI, UL 94) and performance under forced-flaming conditions (cone calorimeter using different irradiations) were investigated. Fire residues were analysed with FTIR-ATR, SEM-EDX, and NMR. Aluminium phosphinate in polyamide 6,6 acts mainly by flame inhibition. Melamine polyphosphate shows some fuel dilution and a significant barrier effect. Using a combination of aluminium phosphinate and melamine polyphosphate results in some charring and a dominant barrier effect. These effects are improved in the presence of zinc borate due to the formation of boron-aluminium phosphates instead of aluminium phosphates.