ISSN: 1945-7553
CODEN: JTEVAB
Published Online: 1 September 2012
Page Count: 6

Investigation on the Flammability of Diverse Cast PA6 Semi-Finished Products

Andó, M.
Institute for Mechanical Engineering Technology, Szent István Univ., Gödöllő,

Czigány, T.
Dept. of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Budapest Univ. of Technology and Economics, Budapest,

Kalácska, G.
Institute for Mechanical Engineering Technology, Szent István Univ., Gödöllő,

(Received 6 October 2011; accepted 16 April 2012)

Abstract

Cast PA6 (magnesium–polyamide 6 (MgPA6)) compounds produced using a magnesium catalysis are presently replacing other polyamides in semi-finished engineering products. Because of this increased use, the flammability of MgPA6 containing montmorillonite, graphite, carbon black, and a plasticizer is investigated. In these studies, we observed that the presence of montmorillonite deteriorates rather than improves the flame-retardant properties of MgPA6. We also noted that the presence of a plasticizer enhances the dripping tendency and consequently the burning rate of PA6 in the UL 94 Test for Flammability of Plastic Materials. In addition, the presence of carbon black reduces the fire performance of the resin while graphite improves the UL 94 classification of PA6 to a V-2.

Keywords:
UL 94, polyamide 6, montmorillonite, graphite, carbon black, fire performance, material testing

Paper ID: JTE104379
DOI: 10.1520/JTE104379
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.