Investigation of flame retardancy and physical-mechanical properties of mineral-based polyethylene composites.

This article focuses on comparing the flame-retardant effectiveness and mechanical properties of three mineral-based additives—alumina trihydrate (ATH), magnesium hydroxide (MDH), and huntite-hydromagnesite (H/H)—in polyethylene (PE) composites. Using maleic anhydride grafted linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE-g-MA) as a binder, composites were produced via extrusion and tested for physical, mechanical, and combustion properties. Results showed that H/H-containing composites achieved UL94 V0 flame retardant classification with 5% less filler than ATH and MDH counterparts, while also exhibiting superior tensile strength (23.4% to 70.8% increase) and elongation at break (60.7% to 73.1% increase). The study concludes that H/H offers a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative with enhanced flame retardancy and mechanical performance, suggesting its potential for broader industrial and academic application.