EFFECT OF ALUMINUM PHOSPHATE (AlPO4) ON STRUCTURAL AND FLAME RETARDANT PROPERTIES OF FIBERGLASS BOAT MATERIALS

Abstract

Composite fiberglass boats are basically constructed with three broad groups of resin, reinforcement and core material. The combination of this material forms an economic high strength, low density and easy to manufacture structure for boat construction. In the composite system, resin is one of component that has high flammability properties. Flame retardants are chemical materials used to diminish the spread or intensity of fire. The function of this flame retardant is to decrease the potential of ignition and delay the spread of flame. Phosphate types of flame retardants are well known can increase the flame retardance properties by the higher retention due to the char formation. This study conducted to analyze the structural and the reaction bonding of modified polyester resin and composites fiberglass system using aluminum phosphate (AlPO4) as a new flame retardance materials. The flame retardancy mechanism of aluminum phosphate (AlPO4) was investigated in seven layers composite fiberglass system. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of modified polyester resin and composite fiberglass will showed an improved of reaction bonding stability of AlPO4. Meanwhile, impact testing evaluates the effects of the AlPO4 on the toughness of composites fiberglass. Flammability properties of composite obtained using vertical burning (UL 94) test method will produce a similar finding.