Researchers at Kabardino-Balkarian State University have succeeded in developing a new, low-cost additive aimed at enhancing fire resistance in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products and some polymer-insulated wires and cables, which may contribute to raising safety standards and reducing production costs at the same time.
Polyvinyl chloride is one of the most widely used plastic materials in the construction sector and various industries, as it is used in the manufacture of pipes, wall coverings, tents, truck covers, and electrical cable insulation, thanks to its ability to resist moisture and chemicals. However, its flammability remains one of the most prominent challenges associated with its use.
The research team relied on a mixture of three commercially available chemicals: melamine, ammonium polyphosphate, and penta-erythritol, to form a flame retardant system that, when the material is exposed to heat, forms a protective carbon layer that limits the access of oxygen and slows the spread of fire.
Tests showed that the best performance was achieved when using the three materials in a ratio of 2:3:2, as this combination contributed to producing a more efficient protective layer in resisting flames.
The researchers explained that the developed material releases mainly nitrogen and ammonia gases during combustion, which are non-flammable gases, which may reduce the risk of fire spreading compared to some traditional flame retardants.
The results also showed that the new addition not only improves fire resistance properties, but may also contribute to reducing the costs of manufacturing PVC products, including fire-resistant electrical wires and cables.
The team noted that this technology could find wide applications in locations that require high levels of fire protection, such as public buildings, electrical transformer rooms, cable routes, wall cladding systems, tents, and water pipes.
The researchers confirmed that the materials used in the formulation are available in large quantities in the markets, which enhances the chances of their industrial application without facing challenges related to supplies.
Despite the promising results, the team stressed the need to conduct further studies to test the material’s long-term stability, evaluate its mechanical properties, and its compatibility with regulatory standards and safety requirements, in addition to studying its performance in realistic fire scenarios and conducting comprehensive environmental and health assessments.
Timur Borokayev, one of the study participants, said that the new composition provides a promising alternative to some currently used flame retardants, noting that it forms an effective protective layer and releases non-flammable gases during heating, which enhances its ability to limit the spread of fire.
The researchers believe that this innovation may open the way for the production of safer and less expensive building materials and electrical cables, if future tests prove its efficiency and safety on a large scale.
