This work aims to explore the potential of microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate (MAPP) in poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate) (PBT). PBT/MAPP composites were prepared via melt blending method. The study of their thermal behaviors and thermal stability showed that the addition of MAPP with silica gel shell (MAPP(Si)) improved the relative crystallinity and thermal stability of PBT composites, in comparison with untreated ammonium polyphosphate and MAPP with polyurethane shell. Possible mechanisms for PBT/MAPP(Si) composites were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated that several PBT molecules may be grafted onto the surface of MAPP(Si), which improves the relative crystallinity and thermal stability of PBT/MAPP(Si) composites.
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