Development and fire-resistance assessment of a halogen-free recycled ps–bitumen sustainable composite enhanced by expandable graphite intumescence

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Tamer F. B., Çanakçı A., Çakır E., Aras U., Kalaycıoğlu H.

MATERIALS RESEARCH BULLETIN, cilt.200, ss.1-15, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 200
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Dergi Adı: MATERIALS RESEARCH BULLETIN
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, INSPEC
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-15
  • Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
  • Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

The development of sustainable and halogen-free flame-retardant materials is increasingly important for fire-safe pavement and construction applications. In this study, a recycled bitumen–polystyrene (PS) composite reinforced with expandable graphite (EG) was developed to enhance fire resistance and environmental sustainability. The composites were prepared with a fixed 1:1 bitumen-to-PS ratio, while EG was incorporated at 1, 3, 5, 10, and 20 wt%. Structural, mechanical, thermal, and flame-retardant properties were evaluated using XRD, FE-SEM, Shore D hardness, compression testing, DSC, TGA/DTG, and LOI analysis. Homogeneous EG dispersion up to 10 wt% formed a semi-percolated reinforcing network, resulting in the highest compressive strength (29.2 MPa) and elastic modulus (730 MPa). TGA revealed increased char residue (~18%), indicating improved thermal stability. Flame retardancy improved significantly, with LOI values increasing from 17% to approximately 27%. These f indings identify 10 wt% EG as the optimal composition balancing mechanical performance and flame resistance.