Development of a Roofing Material from Polyethylene through the Use of Additives
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 20, Issue 8
Abstract
This research investigated the enhancement of polyethylene properties through the use of additives to make it suitable as a roofing material. To function as a roofing material, weatherability (resistance to photo-oxidation), low flammability, and good strength were identified as the key requirements that must be met by the polymer. The additives: carbon black, clay, and ammonium chloride were compounded with the polyethylene. Carbon black was used to protect against photo-oxidation; ammonium chloride was used as a flame retardant, and clay served as a flame retardant while also imparting hardness. ASTM D638-46T tensile test pieces were used to determine the strength of the mixtures, the horizontal UL 94 incipient regime flame test was used to determine flammability, and a simulated weathering test was developed to evaluate weatherability. Results indicated that at about 8.96% clay and 17.42% ammonium chloride, the polyethylene matrix has an average strength of . The horizontal UL 94 fire test showed a marked improvement of flammability properties over that observed for virgin polyethylene. The simulated weathering test also showed an improvement in weatherability properties in polyethylene containing the additives.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 20 • Issue 8 • August 2008
Pages: 516 - 520
Copyright
© 2008 ASCE.
History
Received: May 10, 2006
Accepted: Jan 28, 2008
Published online: Aug 1, 2008
Published in print: Aug 2008
Notes
Note. Associate Editor: Hilary I. Inyang
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