Fire Resistance of Polystyrenes and a Post Fabrication Crosslinking Method

Abstract

This paper describes the comparative fire resistance of amorphous, crystalline, and crosslinked polystyrenes. The lat ter was found to be the slowest in burning rate and does not drip flaming residue while burning. We suggest that the advantages of these characteristics of crosslinked polystyrenes should be studied further. One method used to crosslink polystyrene was through grafting with vinyltriethoxysilane. After the material had been fabricated as a thermoplastic into final form, it was crosslinked by treatment with hot water or steam. In addition to reducing the property to drip while burning, the post-crosslinking process also enhanced thermal form stability at elevated temperature. Other styrenic polymers such as ABS and high-impact polystyrene might be im proved in the same way.