Thermal Degradation Phenomena of PMMA with Bromic Flame Retardant

Abstract

To evaluate flame retardation effects of bromic retardant, thermal degradation mechanism of PMMA with TBBA was studied quantitatively by using thermal analysis. TBBA was believed to have enhanced effect when mixed with Sb₂O₃, so PMMA with TBBA and Sb₂O₃ was also studied.
TBBA suppressed thermal degradation at lower temperature when added TBBA amount exceeded a threshold value, but promoted thermal degradation at higher temperature. From chemical point of view, the most suitable amount of TBBA addition is considered as ca. 15wt% when TBBA solely added and ca. 10wt% when TBBA and Sb₂O₃ added simultaneously.
Gaseous bromic substances were not observed when TBBA solely added or TBBA added with Sb₂O₃ at concentration under 10wt%.