Effect of Layered Double Hydroxide, Expanded Graphite and Ammonium Polyphosphate additives on thermal stability and fire performance of polyisocyanurate insulation foam

Abstract

This work examines the effect of Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs), Expandable Graphite (EG) and Ammonium Polyphosphate (APP) on the thermal stability and behaviour under fire conditions of polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation foams. Virgin materials’ and char residues’ morphologies were analyzed with a variety of experimental techniques including field emission scanning electron and optical microscopy along with Raman spectroscopy. Thermal stability and burning behaviour were examined using thermogravimetric (TGA) coupled with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer and cone calorimeter. TGA results suggested a decrease in degradation temperature upon introduction of fillers in PIR samples. FTIR spectra were used to determine the absorbance intensity of the different pyrolysis gases. Cone calorimeter data analysis established a limited effect on reducing the rate of heat release rate and smoke production with the inclusion of LDHs. However, EG or EG + APP addition, caused a considerable decrease in heat release rate, owing to the increased char strength and the release of non-combustible gases. The positive effect of EG or EG + APP in the fire behaviour of PIR foams was further supported by the morphological evaluation of their residual char samples.