Preparation and characterization of the halogen‐free, smoke suppression, organic–inorganic hybrid flame‐retardant expandable polystyrene materials. Issue 45 (14th May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gu, Limin; Yu, Qian; Zhang, Linya
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied polymer science. Volume 137:Issue 45(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-05-14
• Subjects: applications -- degradation -- flame retardance -- structure–property relationships -- thermogravimetric analysis; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1002/app.49391
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-8995

Abstract

Abstract: Expandable polystyrene (EPS) is a plastic widely used in the field of construction, but it is flammable. This work provided a novel strategy for flame‐retardant modification of EPS. A kind of polyester polyol (JZP) with the high content of phosphorus and nitrogen was synthesized. Then, intrinsic flame‐retardant polyurethane (PFWPU) with the high content of phosphorus and nitrogen was synthesized by JZP acted as soft segment chain extender. Finally, a high‐efficiency flame‐retardant expandable polystyrene thermal insulation material (AF‐EPS) was prepared by the organic–inorganic hybrid flame‐retardant synergistic action of PFWPU and ammonium polyphosphate. The effects of different contents of inorganic flame retardants on flame retardancy of materials were studied by limiting oxygen index (LOI), cone calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis/infrared spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, and so on. The test results showed that the carbon residue rate of the modified material increased from 0 to 28.5%, the LOI increased from 17 to 35.8%, and the vertical combustion test reached the highest grade V‐0. In addition, the total smoke production of AF‐EPS samples decreased from 2.33 m 2 to 0.57 m 2, the time to ignition was increased to 41 s, and the peak heat release rate and the total heat release were decreased by 90.2 and 62.7%, respectively. Abstract : The stable, dense and firm carbon layer could inhibit oxygen transmission and heat diffusion and exert the flame‐retardant effect of condensed phase, thus effectively protected the underlying materials. In addition, the nonflammable volatile gases such as NH3 and CO2 could dilute the concentration of O2 in gas phase and prevented the further burning and decomposition of materials.