Flame retardancy of PET foams manufactured from bottle waste

Abstract Supercritical CO 2 -assisted extrusion technique was used to produce flame retarded foams from recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (rPET). Synergistic combination of aluminium-alkylphosphinate retardant (FR) and natural montmorillonite (MMT) utilised provide adequate retardancy at moderate loadings, i.e. with less than 9% additives. Addition FR found increase the rate degradation during production (compounding foam extrusion), which effectively compensated by chain extender (CE) addition that ensured melt strength required obtain proper structure. The effects content CE on viscosity rPET compounds morphological, thermal, flammability mechanical properties products were comprehensively investigated. When compared injection moulded bulk materials identical compositions, highly porous structure according UL94 tests LOI measurements but has not been shown be detrimental heat release rates as measured cone calorimetry. It concluded well-balanced composition, 8% + 1% MMT CE, low-density (with porosities higher 70%) uniform microcellular prominent characteristics (such V0 rating standard, 28.5% 50% reduced peak 30% total emission) can manufactured even rPET.