Influence of phosphorus-containing flame retardants on fire hazard indices of gas-filled polymers based on reactive oligomers

Introduction. The reduction of flammability of gas-filled polymers prone to carbonization is based on the use of phosphorus- and boron-containing compounds that reduce the formation of combustible volatile pyrolysis products and increase the yield of coke residue. This reduces the rate of heat release, heat and mass transfer between the material and the flame. In the scientific literature the data about the influence of phosphorus-containing flame retardants on thermal stability, combustibility and smokeability of foams are given, but there are no data about the influence of phosphorus concentration on fire danger indicators of foams.

The aim of this paper is the development of effective methods of production of casting foams based on reactive oligomers with low fire hazard and high-performance. Objectives: to reveal the influence of phosphorus concentration on the technological and physical-mechanical characteristics, thermal resistance and fire hazard indices of foams and to develop fire-proof thermal insulation materials possessing high performance. 

Methods. Physical-mechanical properties and fire hazard indices of gas-filled polymers were determined according to current GOST. Thermal properties and composition of combustion products of foams have been studied with thermoanalytical complex DuPONT-9900 and chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Results and discussion. The concentration of phosphorus in the synthesis of rigid polyurethane foams with reduced flammability and high performance should exceed 2.1 % wt. The low-combustible urea foams have been obtained at a phosphorus concentration of 0.2–0.3 % wt. For the production of non-flammable, low-­flammable resin foams, the phosphorus concentration is 0.6–0.7 % wt. At the same time, organophosphorus flame retardants containing reactive groups are highly effective.

Conclusions. As a result of experimental studies the influence of phosphorus concentration and content of organophosphorus-containing flame retardants on physical-mechanical properties, thermal stability and fire hazard of foams based on reactive oligomers was revealed, the pouring foams with lowered fire hazard and high performance were developed.

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