Effects of chemical and plasma treatment on the flame retardance of plywood
Abstract
The effectivity of chemical treatment and plasma treatment of 85% Phosphoric acid as flame retardant (FR) treatment on plywood is presented. Conventional chemical treatments and plasma treatment at various discharge currents were conducted. Tests for chemical changes on the wood samples were done by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermal changes were analyzed through Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). FTIR spectra of the treated samples showed significant variations in the %Transmittance of the O-H, C-H, C=O and C-O bands. Plasma treated wood samples at 20 mA and 25 mA showed improved thermal stability and FR properties based on the onset temperature, temperature of maximum pyrolysis, rate of weight loss, residual char percentage and total weight loss.