Publication

Abstract : This investigation emphasizes on developing polymeric films with high performance thermoplastic polymer that can improve flame retardancy. The study focuses on Polyetherimide (PEI) that has relative advantages over other engineering materials because of their low weight, corrosion resistance, design flexibility and improved fire-resistant properties. A comparative study was carried out on characteristics of films developed with PEI on reinforcing different fire-retardant fillers such as Ag-CNF, Magnesium hydroxide, Borax, Red phosphorous. Films of PEI, PEI with other fillers were fabricated by solution casting process with Dimethylacetamide (DMAc) as a solvent. Characterization techniques were employed to know the thermal, mechanical and fire-retardant properties. It was evident that there was an increase in LOI values for samples made with reinforcing Mg(OH)2 as filler on comparison with plain PEI films. Thermogravimetric (TGA) characterization studies revealed that there is minimal increase in thermal stability for reinforced PEI films compared to plain PEI films. It is confirmed from the results of Differential Scanning Calorimetry test that the glass transition temperatures were high for films of PEI- Mg(OH)2 films, which in turn is an indication for thermal stability. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was performed to know about the behavior of the functional groups.