| Abstract: | Metal hydroxystannates were studied as flame retardants and smoke suppressants for semirigid poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). The flame‐retardant and smoke‐suppression mechanisms were investigated by using limiting oxygen index (LOI), smoke density rating (SDR), the solid yield test (SY), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetry, differential thermogravimetry, and differential thermal analysis. Results showed that semirigid PVC treated with the flame retardants had a higher LOI, and solid yield, but a lower SDR and maximum smoke density, thereby indicating that the flame‐retardance and smoke‐suppression properties of the treated PVC were improved and that the hydroxystannate compounds could be used as highly effective flame retardants. The tin compounds may exert their action in both the condensed and vapor phases, but mainly in the condensed phase as Lewis acids. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers. |
