Scientists at Kabardino-Balkarian State University (KBSU) have achieved a significant breakthrough by developing an innovative, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective additive. This additive is designed to substantially reduce the flammability and toxicity of polyethylene, a widely used material in industries such as pipe manufacturing and packaging. The promising results of their research were published in the scientific journal, Inorganic Materials: Applied Research.
Despite polyethylene`s extensive application across various industrial sectors, its main disadvantage has always been its high flammability. To mitigate this, traditional methods often involve the use of compounds containing toxic elements, including antimony oxide, halogens, and phosphorus. As researchers from KBSU emphasize, this highlights an urgent need for the discovery and development of safer, less harmful alternatives.
The university`s experts have now put forward an innovative solution, centered on the application of safe components, specifically magnesium compounds. Extensive testing has conclusively demonstrated that incorporating these substances not only markedly improves the material`s fire resistance but also effectively slows down flame propagation during combustion.
Professor Timur Borukaev, who leads this project at KBSU`s Department of Organic Chemistry and High Molecular Weight Compounds, explained the benefits: «When polymer composites modified with our new additive burn, there is no formation of molten drips, and the amount of smoke produced is significantly reduced. These factors greatly enhance the material`s safety during a fire and concurrently minimize its negative environmental impact.»
A crucial aspect of this development is the readily available nature of the raw materials required. Carbonates, which are one of the key components for producing this additive, are widely manufactured on an industrial scale, ensuring ease of production.
Another notable advantage of this new additive is its full compatibility with existing industrial equipment. The synthesis process eliminates the need for expensive organic solvents and can be efficiently carried out in an aqueous environment. This approach not only reduces the environmental footprint associated with its production but also lowers overall manufacturing costs.
Borukaev further elaborated on the practical implications: «The incorporation of the additive into plastic is achieved using standard industrial equipment for producing and processing polymer composites, which significantly streamlines its integration into current production cycles without requiring major retooling.»
University specialists also pointed out that beyond enhancing fire resistance, the new additive positively influences polyethylene`s mechanical properties. Studies have revealed that even with a concentration of up to 10% of the new component, the material`s strength and flexibility are not only maintained but can even be improved. According to the developers, this dual benefit grants the new material a significant competitive advantage in the market compared to conventional alternatives.
The development of this additive was a collaborative effort, undertaken in conjunction with Professor Ali Salamov from the Chemistry Department of Ingush State University.
According to KBSU, this innovative additive has already garnered considerable interest from various companies specializing in the production of flame retardants and other fire-resistant polymer materials, signaling its strong market potential and real-world applicability.
