Abstract: Polypropylene composites were prepared using decabromodiphenyl ethaneantimony trioxide (DBDPESb2O3, DS) as a flame retardant and aramid fibers (AF) as a reinforcer. The effect of AF and DS on mechanical properties, flame retardancy, fracture microstructure, and thermal stability of the composites was studied. It was found that the tensile, flexural, and izod notched impact strengths were increased by 41 %, 48 %, and 17 %, respectively, compared with neat PP. Moreover, a synergistic effect was observed on the decrease of total heat release. AF displayed a positive effect on dripping resistance.

Key words: Decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), Aramid fibers, Reinforcement, Flame retardancy, Polypropylene