Abstract: Super-fine brucite powder was surface modified using several surfactants as modifier, with the effect of modification characterized through water adsorption and contact angle measurements. After washed with 2,2,4-trimethylpentyl, the surface of brucite powder changed from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. Surface modified super-fine brucite powder was used in polyolefin flame retardant formulations. It was found sodium stearate was the best modifier in this study with an optimal dosage about 2 %, resulting in a limited oxygen index of 32.9 % and an elongation at break about 30 % higher than devoid sample.

Key words: brucite, surface modification, polyolefin, flame retardancy