Surface modification technology of magnesium hydroxide and its performance improvement in flame retardant silicone rubber applications
Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)_2), as a highly respected environmentally friendly inorganic flame retardant, has a growing demand for applications in polymer materials such as silicone rubber. Although magnesium hydroxide itself has excellent flame retardant properties, its dispersion and compatibility problems in the polymer matrix limit its application efficiency. The application of surface modification technology effectively solves these problems and provides new ideas for improving the flame retardant properties of silicone rubber and other materials.
Innovation in surface modification methods
Surface chemical modification: Use organic functional groups such as silanes, titanate coupling agents, stearic acid and silicone for chemical adsorption or reaction to enhance the compatibility of magnesium hydroxide with polymers. Encapsulation modification: Microencapsulation technology provides a protective shell for magnesium hydroxide particles to improve their dispersibility and processing performance in polymer materials. Dry and wet modification: Dry modification is carried out in a solid state using a silane coupling agent, while wet modification adds a modifier to the solvent. Both methods effectively improve the dispersibility and compatibility of magnesium hydroxide. Hydrothermal method: Prepare porous flake or rod-shaped magnesium hydroxide under hydrothermal conditions to increase its specific surface area and modification efficiency. Microencapsulation coating method: Use materials such as zinc hydroxystannate and melamine resin to form a coating layer on the surface of magnesium hydroxide to enhance the flame retardant effect. Study on flame retardant properties in silicone rubber
Dispersion and compatibility: Surface modification significantly improves the dispersion uniformity of magnesium hydroxide in silicone rubber, enhances interfacial compatibility, thereby improving flame retardant efficiency. Flame retardant mechanism: Magnesium hydroxide decomposes under high temperature conditions, absorbs heat and releases moisture, cooling and diluting combustible gases. At the same time, the generated magnesium oxide layer isolates oxygen and effectively prevents combustion. Mechanical properties and electrical properties: The appropriate addition of modified magnesium hydroxide can significantly improve the flame retardant properties of silicone rubber without damaging its mechanical properties and electrical properties, such as an increase in the limiting oxygen index (LOI). Environmental friendliness: Modified magnesium hydroxide, as a halogen-free flame retardant, helps reduce environmental pollution and is in line with the development trend of green materials. The application of surface modification technology provides an effective way for the application of magnesium hydroxide in polymer materials such as silicone rubber. By improving the surface properties of magnesium hydroxide, not only can its flame retardant effect be improved, but the overall performance of the composite material can also be maintained or enhanced. With the continuous improvement of environmental protection and flame retardant efficiency requirements, modified magnesium hydroxide has broad application prospects in the field of polymer materials.
With the continuous advancement and innovation of technology, modified magnesium hydroxide is expected to play a more important role in the future materials industry, providing a solid scientific basis and technical support for the realization of safer and more environmentally friendly material applications.