DSC Measurements of Flame-Retarding Substances

Purpose

Estimating the effect of a flame retardant requires not only knowledge of the dehydration temperature but also of the energy involved in the process. This is important because it corresponds to the amount of energy extracted from the fire. The measurements required can be performed with DSC. The analysis of a mixture of ATH and MHD is presented as an example.

Sample

1:1 mixture of Al(OH)₃ and Mg(OH)₂

Conditions

Measuring cell: DSC822^e 

Pan: Aluminum 40 ul, with pierced lid.

Sample preparation: Approx. 3.78 mg  

DSC measurement: Heating from 35 °C to 600 °C at 30 K/min.  

Atmosphere: Nitrogen, stationary atmosphere, no flow  

Interpretation

The peak due to the dehydration of Al(OH)3 has a maximum at 308 °C and an area of 1038 J/g referred to this constituent. The peak due to the dehydration of the Mg(OH)2 has a maximum at 418 °C. The enthalpy of dehydration of this material is 1154 J/g.  

Conclusions

Flame-retarding materials can be rapidly characterized by DSC.

_{DSC Measurements of Flame-Retarding Substances |  Thermal Analysis Application No. HB 486 | Application published in METTLER TOLEDO TA Application Handbook Elastomers Volume 2}