Synthesis and Characterization of Non-Halogenic Fire Retardant Composite with Epoxy Resin and Additive Combination Al(OH)3/Mg(OH)2

Abstract

Epoxy has many advantages over other resin. However, in certain usage, additive is needed to raise the thermal resistance of the composites, while lowering its negative effect on health and environment. One of the most common additives used for thermal resistance is halogen. Halogen gives negative effect on health and environment because of the release of toxic gas following its combustion. An alternative for halogen substitution is using Al(OH)3/Mg(OH)2. Therefore, in this research, the synthesis and characterization of non-halogenic fire retardant composite with epoxy resin and various concentration of additive Al(OH)3/Mg(OH)2 was conducted. The characterization of this research is the fire retardancy, morphology dispersion, and mechanical properties of the synthesized composite, such as tensile strength and hardness. The result of this research is that epoxy resin 50% with 50% of additive Al(OH)3 gives the best flame retardancy behavior and mechanical properties. This composite gives flammability rating V-0 with Tmax 364,3 °C, MLR 12,51 %/menit, total mass loss 57,26%, tensile strength 11,7 MPa, and hardness 79.