Preparation and properties of flame-retardant rubber composites based on steel slag filler

Ultrafine steel slag powder (shield powder) was prepared by grinding ordinary steel slag with a functional compound. As a substitute for aluminum hydroxide, the shield powder was combined with rubber to prepare flame-retardant composites. Vulcanization tests showed that the incorporation of shield powder enhances the crosslinkage of the composite and speeds up the curing rate. The gaseous products formed in the pyrolysis process are mainly hydrocarbons. Mechanical and combustion tests revealed that the introduction of shield powder improves flame-retardant performance without sacrificing mechanical properties. Specifically, the optimum substitution ratio of shield powder for aluminum hydroxide is 50.0%. In this case, the composite has the highest degree of graphitization and exhibits excellent flame-retardant performance.