Work

Development of Infrared Transmission Flame-Retardant Polyethylene Melt Blends and Melt-Blown Nonwovens

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Polyethylene (PE) melt-blown nonwoven materials exhibit excellent infrared transmission properties, making them well-suited for applications in infrared physiotherapy and smart building technologies. However, their high flammability and tendency to generate melting droplets and smoke seriously limit their applications. Herein, phosphorus-silicon flame-retardant PE melt-blown blends were prepared by the melt blending of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and nano-silica (SiO2). Next, the thermal, rheological, and crystallization properties of the blends were investigated. Subsequently, flame-retardant PE melt-blown nonwoven materials were prepared and tested. It was found that APP and SiO2 decreased the melt flowability of the material, while slightly decreasing the melting point, increasing crystallinity and enhancing the thermal stability by shifting the decomposition temperature by 51 °C. Moreover, the presence of flame retardants increased the roughness and diameter of fibers. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) of the PE melt-blown materials with 10% APP and 1% SiO2 reached 28.6%, reaching the flame-retardant level without dripping during combustion. This highlights important guidelines for developing infrared-transmitting, flame-retardant PE nonwovens for safe and sustainable applications.

Source: Polymers

DOI: 10.3390/polym17212854