TITLE:
Optimization and Characterization of Nano Aluminum Trihydrate-Based Flame-Retardant Materials in the Rotating Packed Bed Reactor
AUTHORS:
Pao Chi Chen, Ling Chun Yang
KEYWORDS:
Absorption, Aluminum Trihydrate, Rotating Packed Bed, Taguchi
JOURNAL NAME:
Materials Sciences and Applications,
Vol.9 No.13,
December
21,
2018
ABSTRACT: A CO2/NaAlO2/H2O
absorption-reaction system was adopted to prepare nano aluminum trihydrate (ATH) particles for cables
use in a rotating packed-bed (RPB) reactor (Phase I). The Taguchi experimental
design was used to give an orthogonal array, L9(34). The parameters were
the speed of rotation (A), gas-liquid flow rate ratio (B), aging temperature
(C) and aging time (D), each having three levels. According to the signal/noise
(S/N) ratio analysis, optimum condition for BET area (Sw) was found to be A3B3C1D1,
while the parameter significance was DABC. Empirical formula for Sw was also obtained and
discussed. Subsequently,
the optimum size (10.7 nm) of ATH
powders was used
to blend with the matrix including plastics and additives (Phase II) for
characterization further. The
examination of composite materials showed that the limiting oxygen index (LOI)
was higher than 28, indicating an excellent fire-retarding property. The results also showed that the LOI for nano ATH is
higher than that bought from the market, while the fire-retarding grade
examination (UL-94 test) for both ATHs was found to be of a V-0 grade. In
addition, the mechanical properties for nano ATH were measured prior to using
the ATH from the market.