Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


Kimberly DeGracia_Dissertation.pdf (3.89 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Sustainable, Flame-Retarded Poly(butylene terephthalate)

DeGracia, Kimberly C
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1554453234742296

Abstract Details

2019, Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, Macromolecular Science and Engineering.
Polymers can be applied to a myriad of applications, but high flammability remains an issue for their general and engineering uses. Flame retardants (FRs) that are found in commercial products usually contain halogens, phosphorus, and other elements. However, research has shown that halogenated FRs are persistent in the environment, bioaccumulate and are toxic. An example of such FR is pentabromodiphenyl ether, a polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), which was banned in the European Union and the United States in 2004. Ongoing research is being conducted to develop alternative non-halogenated FR systems that are effective and can be used in industry. Poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate) "PBT" is a semi-crystalline, thermoplastic engineering polyester produced in high volume that is used in the electrical, electronics, and automotive industries. These applications require FR PBT systems, but the most commonly used contain bromine and an antimony source. In addition, PBT poses technical challenges as it depolymerizes and dehydrates to butadiene at fire temperatures, giving off flammable gas. Chapter 2 explores a bioavailability study that examined two commercial FR PBT systems. Literature has shown that FRs may bloom out of the polymer matrix. Through thermo-oxidative aging studies, we will explore if the halogenated and phosphorus-based FRs in PBT become bioavailable through a synthetic finger oil solution. Chapter 3 demonstrates the use of additives derived from nature as non-halogenated FR alternatives for PBT. The thermal, flammability and mechanical properties of the bio-based FR system will also be discussed. Chapter 4 explores the flammability effect of aging on lumber samples. The flammabilities of bio-based wood stain coatings are also studied before and after aging. Chapter 5 details techniques to reduce the flammability of polyurethane foam in residential upholstered furniture through testing configuration and barriers fabrics. The studies performed will contribute to the ever-growing field of fire science and engineering.
David Schiraldi (Advisor)
Hatsuo Ishida (Committee Member)
Gary Wnek (Committee Member)
James T'ien (Committee Member)
218 p.
Engineering; Polymer Chemistry; Polymers
sustainable; flame retardant; fire science and engineering; polymers; polybutylene terephthalate; PBT; coatings; wood; polyurethane foam

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • DeGracia, K. C. (2019). Sustainable, Flame-Retarded Poly(butylene terephthalate) [Doctoral dissertation, Case Western Reserve University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1554453234742296

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • DeGracia, Kimberly. Sustainable, Flame-Retarded Poly(butylene terephthalate). 2019. Case Western Reserve University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1554453234742296.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • DeGracia, Kimberly. "Sustainable, Flame-Retarded Poly(butylene terephthalate)." Doctoral dissertation, Case Western Reserve University, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1554453234742296

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

case1554453234742296
1,095
© 2019, some rights reserved.Creative Commons License Sustainable, Flame-Retarded Poly(butylene terephthalate) by Kimberly C DeGracia is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Based on a work at etd.ohiolink.edu.
This open access ETD is published by Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies and OhioLINK.