INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF BORON NITRIDE AND COLEMANITE ON THE PROPERTIES OF POLYVINYL CHLORIDE

OpenAlex İngilizce

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used as an insulator in cable production. In order to enhance its thermal stability and flame retardant properties various chemicals have been added to PVC. In this study, hexagonal boron nitride (BN) and colemanite (C) at different concentrations were added to PVC to prepare composites by melt compounding method. The effect of formulation on the properties of PVC composites were observed. The thermal stability of PVC composites was determined by using a PVC Thermomat device. LOI (Limiting Oxygen Index) tests were performed to examine combustion characteristics. The mechanical properties of the composites were conducted by tensile tests. BN and C had a positive effect on the thermal stability of PVC. PVC remained stable for 3.74 hours at 210°C. Addition of BN and C (1 wt.% of the amount stabilizer) increased stability time to 4.16 hours, and 5.50 hours, respectively. The composite in which BN and C were used together remained stable for 5.74 hours. LOI value of BN and C added composite did not change noticeably, compared to neat PVC. The mechanical properties of composites remained within acceptable limits for being used in cable production. In brief, addition of BN or C to PVC is an effective technique to produce cables with improved properties for various applications.