Effects of decabromodiphenyl ethane flame retardant on the combustion behavior and physical‐mechanical properties of chloroprene rubber: Experimental and molecular dynamic simulation

Abstract Herein, a molecular dynamics simulation method was used to predict the compatibility of chloroprene rubber (CR) and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) and to investigate the mechanical properties of CR‐based composites. The limiting oxygen index and cone calorimeter measurement values indicated that the addition of DBDPE was beneficial for reducing the peak heat release rate during combustion and facilitating the formation of compact and strong char layers for carbon black‐filled CR composites, resulting in efficient reduction of flammability and fire risk. Incorporation of DBDPE obviously delayed the dehydrochlorination of the CR matrix. Moreover, adding 50 phr DBDPE had little effect on the tensile strength and elongation at the break, and increased the modulus at 100% elongation by 64.3% in contrast to CR without DBDPE. However, the cold properties of CR vulcanizates decreased slightly with an increase in the DBDPE content.