Deformation of aluminum-plastic panels in high-temperature environments? Solution: Thermal decomposition protective layer of brucite powder



In modern architectural decoration, aluminum-plastic panels are widely used due to their aesthetic appeal, durability, and excellent processing performance. However, when exposed to high-temperature environments, especially in extreme conditions such as fires, traditional aluminum-plastic panels tend to soften or even melt and drip, not only affecting the overall structural integrity of the material but also potentially accelerating the spread of fire. To address this issue, researchers have discovered an innovative solution - by taking advantage of the thermal decomposition characteristics of brucite powder (mainly composed of magnesium hydroxide), a protective layer can be formed on the surface of aluminum-plastic panels, effectively preventing deformation and damage caused by high temperatures.

I. Challenges of Aluminum Plastic Panels at High Temperatures

Aluminum-plastic panels are typically composed of two layers of aluminum panels and a plastic core material in the middle, with the plastic core material mostly being polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). Although these polymer materials have excellent mechanical properties and processability, they will soften and even melt when exposed to high temperatures, especially when the temperature exceeds their glass transition temperature (Tg). In the event of a fire, this softening and melting will cause the panels to lose their shape rapidly, and the dripping substances may further fuel the spread of flames, increasing the risk of fire.

Moreover, common flame retardants often can only delay the combustion process but fail to fundamentally solve the problem of material softening at high temperatures. Therefore, it is particularly important to find a method that can both enhance fire resistance and maintain the structural stability of materials.

II. Thermal Decomposition Characteristics of Brucite Powder

Brucite powder is a natural mineral powder with magnesium hydroxide as its main component. It has unique physical and chemical properties, making it an ideal thermal protection material.

High-efficiency heat absorption: When heated above 340℃, brucite powder begins to dehydrate and decompose, absorbing a large amount of heat (approximately 1.3 kJ/g) during the process, thereby significantly lowering the temperature of the surrounding environment.

Formation of protective film: As the water evaporates, the remaining magnesium oxide forms a dense protective film on the material's surface. This film not only prevents the continuous conduction of external heat to the interior but also inhibits the escape of incompletely combusted substances from the inside to the outside.

Non-toxic and harmless: Unlike traditional halogen-based flame retardants, brucite powder does not release any toxic gases during decomposition, reducing the possibility of secondary pollution.

III. Thermal Decomposition Coating Solution Based on Brucite Powder

To address the potential deformation issue of aluminum-plastic panels in high-temperature environments, the following strategy can be adopted: incorporate brucite powder into the manufacturing process of aluminum-plastic panels to create an effective thermal decomposition protective layer.

Add to the core material to form an inner core protection.

By uniformly mixing an appropriate amount of brucite powder into the plastic core material of aluminum-plastic panels, it is possible to endow the material with better heat resistance and fire resistance without altering the original production process. When exposed to high temperatures, the brucite powder first absorbs heat and decomposes, generating water vapor that can carry away some of the heat. Meanwhile, the formed magnesium oxide protective layer helps to slow down the impact of external heat on the core material, reducing the occurrence of softening and melting.

2. Surface coating technology enhances external protection.

In addition to adding the core, surface coating technology can also be considered. A special coating containing brucite powder can be directly applied to the surface of the aluminum-plastic board. The advantage of doing this is that in the event of a fire, the protective coating will be the first to come into contact with the flame. It will quickly take effect, absorb heat and form an insulating barrier, maximizing the protection of the internal structure from damage.

3. Enhance efficiency by integrating nanotechnology

In recent years, significant progress has been made in the research of nano-sized brucite powder. Compared with micrometer-sized particles, nanoparticles, due to their larger specific surface area and higher activity, can provide stronger heat absorption capacity and better dispersion effect at the same addition amount. This means that even at a lower addition ratio, efficient thermal protection functions can be achieved without affecting the basic properties of the material.

IV. Analysis of Practical Application Cases

A certain enterprise conducted a special research on the problem of aluminum-plastic panels being prone to deformation in high-temperature environments and attempted the above-mentioned thermal decomposition protective layer scheme based on brucite powder. The experimental results showed that the modified aluminum-plastic panels exhibited excellent anti-deformation ability under simulated fire conditions, with the limiting oxygen index (LOI) increasing from the original 22% to 28%, and still maintained their basic shape after long-term high-temperature exposure without obvious signs of softening or melting.


In addition, during the product design stage, the enterprise also incorporated other functional additives and technical measures, such as introducing a small amount of nano-scale flame retardant synergists and optimizing the molding process parameters, to ensure that the comprehensive performance of the final product reaches the optimal state.


V. Future Development Directions and Prospects

With the continuous improvement of people's awareness of building safety and the increasingly strict relevant regulations and standards, the requirements for the fire resistance performance of building materials are also getting higher and higher. As an environmentally friendly inorganic flame retardant material, brucite powder has shown great potential in enhancing the high-temperature resistance of aluminum-plastic panels.


In the future, with the advancement of technology and the application of new materials, it is expected that more composite formulations and technological innovations based on brucite powder will emerge, further enhancing the stability and safety of aluminum-plastic panels under extreme conditions. For instance, the development of new multi-functional coating systems or the combination of brucite powder with other highly efficient flame retardants could create a comprehensive and multi-level fire protection system.


Magnesium hydroxide powder, with its unique thermal decomposition characteristics, offers a brand-new approach and solution to the problem of aluminum-plastic panels' easy deformation in high-temperature environments. Whether used as core filling or surface coating, it can effectively enhance the material's heat resistance and fire rating, ensuring the safety of buildings and their occupants.