The role of aluminum hydroxide as a flame retardant in PVC compounds
Aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3) is commonly used as a flame retardant in PVC (polyvinyl chloride) compounds. Flame retardants are materials that are added to a product to delay or prevent the spread of fire.
When PVC is exposed to heat, it can release flammable gases that can ignite and spread the fire. Aluminum hydroxide works as a flame retardant in PVC compounds by releasing water vapor and carbon dioxide when it is exposed to heat. This reaction helps to dilute the flammable gases and reduce the temperature of the material, which can slow down or prevent the spread of fire.
In addition to its flame-retardant properties, aluminum hydroxide also has other beneficial properties in PVC compounds. It can act as a filler and improve the mechanical properties of the material, such as its strength and impact resistance. It can also improve the thermal stability of the material, which can help to prevent the material from degrading at high temperatures.
Overall, aluminum hydroxide is a commonly used flame retardant in PVC compounds due to its effectiveness and other beneficial properties. However, there are some concerns about the potential health and environmental effects of aluminum hydroxide, and alternative flame retardants are being developed and tested to address these concerns.
