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All pH values must be controlled as during storage the value will increase.
Fixing must be done best with sulphuric acid as the intercalated moiety, as expansion of
the graphite is increased by partial oxidation of the carbon structure of the polymer by
the oxidizing acid which also produces gases ostensibly acting as a blowing agent.
Unit parameter:
Stirrer 5.000 – 5.300 (verification at the trough)
To low speed will generate non uniform cell size problems.
To high speed will destroy the laminar structure of EG (so less expansion).
Sink back a must because of homogeneous density.
Reactant tanks must be without dispersed air.
Formulation parameter:
Expansion temperature must be higher than the inside temperature during the foaming
reaction – otherwise the EG starts expanding during foaming.
Surface flames don’t have such high temperatures so the material still burns as EG is
in that range only like a filler. So we’ve to add FR agents to the formulation.
If the tests are based on radiant heat the EG is working alone.
The higher the isocyanurate index, the less the required flame retardant level to meet
a standard.
Non ozone-depleting blowing agents containing halogen can allow for less flame
retardant or with a high enough isocyanurate content, no flame retardant at all.
Example is 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, available as ENOVATE 3000 (HFC-245fa) or
Solvay’s HFC-365mfc.
Don’t use hydrated alumina (ATH) as high loadings are needed, thus ATH tends to
have problems of density, serious effects on mechanical properties, and settling prior
to and during the foaming process.