Modified Ammonium Polyphosphate and Its Application in Polypropylene Resins

Herein, a simple and environment-friendly method of coupling agent treatment of APP (ammonium polyphosphate) is provided and an optimum process of modification via coupling agent is identified. The effects of coupling agent type, dosage, modification time, and modification temperature on the modification of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) were investigated using an orthogonal experimental design. The modified ammonium polyphosphate (KAPP) was characterized under optimal process conditions using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetry (TG), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis. The treatment greatly improved the water solubility, dispersibility, and thermal stability of KAPP; and the application of KAPP in polypropylene (PP) was investigated. The flexural properties, thermal stability, and flame retardancy were studied using mechanical testing, thermogravimetric analysis, oxygen index, and UL-94 vertical combustion. The results show that the KAPP-added polypropylene composites have better bending properties when compared with the APP-added PP composites. SEM analysis suggests that the surface of KAPP became smoother and flat; dispersion was better, compatibility with the PP matrix was improved, and there were no prominent voids and gaps in the cross-section. A different degree of improvement in flame retardancy was also observed as per the LOI and vertical combustion results, wherein the PP composites prepared by adding 20% KAPP achieved the LOI of 27.6% and passed the UL-94 test with V-0 rating.