Modification of diglycidal ether of bisphenol a with wlame retardant additive and analysis of weight, flammability and mechanical properties

Polymer matrix reinforced composites (PMCs) are being widely used in different applications, due to their variety of properties. PMCs have a drawback of flammability. Flame retardants are being incorporated in two ways, either as an additive or reactive material. Cartek 1709 (Ck) is a recognized flame retardant coating system, however, their flame retardant performance has not been established yet, when combined with aerospace grad epoxy system. In this study Ck was blended into Huntsman LY 5052 Diglycidal Ether of Bisphenol A (DGEBA) based epoxy system. Resin with different ratios of Ck (10%, 20%, 30% and 40%) was formulated and then carbon fiber reinforced laminates were fabricated with Ck blended DGEBA. Samples for three point flexural (ASTM D790) and Inter-laminar shear stress (ASTM D2344) tests were cut out of laminates. UL094 Flammability test was carried out and finally a detailed analysis is presented in terms of weight, mechanical properties and flammability.