Investigation of calcite and huntite/hydromagnesite mineral in co-presence regarding flame retardant and mechanical properties of wood composites

This work examines the characteristics of mineral additives in wood composites that affect the fire retardant properties of the material, and at the same time are environmentally friendly. The paper analyzes the results of measurements for wood composites, which is the natural building material of many houses, as well as elements of their furnishings. Sawdust waste was applied as a matrix. In the paper, a co-presence effect of calcite and huntite/hydromagnesite mineral was investigated. The calcite mineral was used as auxiliary minerals in addition to the huntite/hydromagnesite mineral to obtain a better flame retardant according to the UL94 standard and mechanical properties in the wood composite, such as flexural strength and flexural modulus. The results obtained were measured and evaluated depending on the mineral content of the composites. The results indicated that sample 40S/ 50H/ 10C is the most optimal in terms of the ratio of the modulus of flexibility and fire retardant characteristics. Fire retardant materials can be used in the construction industry, as well as in the electrical engineering applications, such as for acoustic fire extinguishers [e.g. for waveguide construction].