| Abstract: | The influence of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) as flame retardant (FR) on poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) has been examined. The APP–HBCD system behaves as an intumescent flame retardant (IFR) formulation, APP being the char-forming agent and HBCD the blowing agent. A negligible gas-phase mode of action was ascertained for HBCD with this substrate. A synergism between the two FR agents was observed, corresponding to about 50% increased efficacy with respect to the separate effects of the two components. Thermogravimetry (TG), oxygen index (OI), nitrous oxide index (NOI) experiments and phosphorous residue measurements were performed to substantiate the conclusion that a conclusion that a condensed phase mechanism of action accounts for all the facts observed. |
