The effects of different forms of aluminum hydroxide on PVC compounds
Aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3) is often used as a flame retardant additive in PVC compounds due to its ability to release water when exposed to high temperatures, which helps to cool the material and prevent ignition. However, the specific form of aluminum hydroxide used can have varying effects on PVC compounds.
There are several different forms of aluminum hydroxide, including gibbsite, bayerite, nordstrandite, and doyleite. Gibbsite is the most commonly used form in PVC compounds due to its low cost and high purity. It has been shown to improve the flame retardancy of PVC compounds without significantly impacting other properties.
However, other forms of aluminum hydroxide may have different effects on PVC compounds. For example, bayerite has been found to reduce the tensile strength and elongation at the break of PVC compounds, while nordstrandite has been found to improve these properties. Additionally, the particle size and surface area of the aluminum hydroxide can also affect its performance in PVC compounds.
Overall, the specific form of aluminum hydroxide used in PVC compounds should be carefully selected based on the desired properties and performance of the final product. It is important to conduct thorough testing to determine the optimal form and concentration of aluminum hydroxide for each application.
