DIFFERENTIAL THERMAL-ANALYSIS AND THERMOG RAVIMETRY OF FIRE-RESISTANTPOLYETHYLENE USING MAGNESIUM-HYDROXIDE

Fire resistance of polyethylene is realized by magnesium hydroxide whi ch is distinguished from halogenated fire-proofing agents by its lower cost and its non toxicity. Magnesium hydroxide decomposed by an endot hermic reaction with liberation of water, contributing to fire proofin g. The sample used (Kisuma 5A-N) is constituted from a powder (0.6-0. 8 micrometre) its surface is treated by plastic material in order to a meliorate its compatibility. We studied the thermal decomposition by D TA and TG, of mixtures constituted by polyethylene and magnesium hydro xide. A sudden decomposition began at 385-degrees-C for pure polyethyl ene and decomposition took place at 429-degrees-C for the mixture poly ethylene-Kisuma (50-50). Incorporation of magnesium hydroxide in polye thylene increases fire resistance.