Effect of Nano–Magnesium Hydroxide on Mechanical and Flame-Retarding Properties of SBR and PBR: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Magnesium hydroxide [Mg(OH)₂] is one of the potential inorganic fillers. In this work, nanoparticles (37±5 nm) of the magnesium hydroxide were prepared using matrix-mediated growth and control technique, and their size was confirmed by X-ray diffraction technique. Nano-Mg(OH)₂-SBR and nano-Mg(OH)₂-PBR composites with 2–10% (w/w) filler loading were prepared by compounding on laboratory-scale two-roll mill and a compression molding machine. These composites were tested for tensile and physical properties, and the properties were compared with the composites of commercial Mg(OH)₂. The incorporation of nanofiller improved the properties of nanocomposites.

Keywords:

• Flame retardancy
• Mechanical properties
• Nano-Mg(OH)₂
• PBR
• SBR
• Swelling index

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Authors are thankful to UGC New Delhi for providing financial assistance in the SAP DRS project.