The flame retardant and smoke suppression effect of fullerene by trapping radicals in decabromodiphenyl oxide/Sb2O3 flame‐retarded high density polyethylene

To improve the large release of smoke and heat for brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in fire hazard, fullerene (C₆₀) had been introduced in high density polyethylene (HDPE)/bromine flame retardant (Deca/Sb₂O₃, BFR in short) system in this study. The effects of C₆₀ on the thermal properties, flame retardant properties, rheological behaviors, and smoke release behaviors in HDPE/BFR blends were researched. During polymer thermal degradation, C₆₀ and BFR exhibited the trapping radical ability in condensed phase and gaseous phase, respectively. The intergrated effects of C₆₀ and BFR on the thermal stability and flammability of HDPE were studied by thermo‐gravimetry and cone calorimeter. It was indicated that the introduction of C₆₀ improved the thermal and thermo‐oxidative stability of HDPE/BFR blends. A remarkable advantage of adding C₆₀ was to reduce the peak heat release rate and the average specific extinction area, especially at higher concentration of C₆₀. The analysis of rheological behaviors and pyrolysis products revealed that C₆₀ can capture alkyl radicals, chain radicals, and bromine radicals in the condensed phase, which was in favor of terminating the thermo‐oxidative decomposition and inhibiting the heat and smoke release of HDPE/BFR blends during combustion.