Synergistically ceramization of rubber system for fire safety cable by sepiolite functionalized with boron-based nanoparticles

[EN] In this research, a novel ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) formulation for cable with high ceramization efficiency was prepared by the addition of functionalized sepiolite with boron fluxing compound nanoparticles (SEPTB) obtained by precipitation route. Non-functionalized sepioli...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Puertas, M. L., Bartolomé, Jose F., Esteban-Cubillo, A.
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Repositorio:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
OAI Identifier:oai:digital.csic.es:10261/385493
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/385493
https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85208547794
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Cable
Ceramification
Fire
Rubber
Sepiolite
Ceramificación
Caucho sintético
Fuego
Sepiolita
Descripción
Sumario:[EN] In this research, a novel ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) formulation for cable with high ceramization efficiency was prepared by the addition of functionalized sepiolite with boron fluxing compound nanoparticles (SEPTB) obtained by precipitation route. Non-functionalized sepiolite (SEP) has been incorporated to the system for reference. EPDM materials were characterized by standardized tests measuring their behavior against fire and important improvements were observed, especially in terms of smoke production (25% reduction of the smoke production compared with the formulation using SEP) presenting a remarkable behaviour against dripping and self-extinction when a flame is directly applied. The mechanism of ceramization under fire conditions was discussed. It was found that EPDM system with SEPTB additive transformed into a rigid ceramic after treating at 1000 °C. In this particular case, the ceramization was more efficient due to the sepiolite transformation to enstatite at lower temperatures (∼750 vs ∼850 °C) combined with the “in situ” formation of a glassy phase which notably enhances the reinforcement of the char layer by forming a reinforcing 3D enstatite fibers net structure that reduces smoke production and even totally avoids the dripping of melted polymer by the action of the heat in a fire event. This work provides new insights for the preparation of high-performance synergist additive based on sepiolite for the enhancement of fire retardance of EPDM system for cable applications.