Thermal Degradation of Unsaturated Polyester and Composite Fiberglass Embedded with Aluminium Phosphate

Abstract

The thermal degradation of unsaturated polyester resin and composite fiberglass containing aluminum phosphate as additive flame retardant were investigated. A new phosphate type fire retardant is developed using aluminum phosphate embedded in unsaturated polyester resin with varies weight ratio (0–50%). The modified unsaturated polyester then combined with seven layer of fiberglass reinforcement to produce composite fiberglass boat panels. The effects of aluminum phosphate on structural and thermal properties were evaluated on both unsaturated polyester resin and composite fiberglass using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Addition of aluminum phosphate in modified unsaturated polyester observed increases in weight residue due to formation char layer. Thermal properties and structural bonding observed in both modified unsaturated polyester and composite fiberglass show that oxygen has a great influenced in the interaction between phosphate group, aluminum and silica in both systems.