Flame retardancy, thermal and mechanical properties of sulfonate-containing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (S-POSS)/polycarbonate composites

A DOPO-Based Compound Containing Aminophenyl Silicone Oil for Reducing Fire Hazards of Polycarbonate

A novel P/N/Si-containing flame retardant (marked as DASO) was synthesized through an Atherton-Todd reaction between 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phospha-phenanthrene-10-oxide and aminophenyl silicone oil, and further used for reducing fire hazards of polycarbonate (PC). The chemical structure of DASO was verified via FTIR, ¹H, and ³¹P NMR. Upon the incorporation of 2 wt% DASO, the FRPC composite achieved a high limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 32.2% and a desired UL-94 V-0 rating. In this case, the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total smoke production (TSP) were reduced by 26% and 44% as compared with the pure PC, respectively. The improved fire safety contributed to the flame retardant roles of DASO in both the condensed phase and gas phase. The presence of DASO promoted the formation of dense and highly graphited char layer in the condensed phase, and released non-combustible gases and phosphorus-containing radicals in the gas phase. Furthermore, the FRPC composites displayed comparable elongation at break but a slightly reduced tensile and impact strength.

Polycarbonate/Sulfonamide Composites with Ultralow Contents of Halogen-Free Flame Retardant and Desirable Compatibility

A novel halogen-free flame retardant containing sulfonamide, 1,3,5,7-tetrakis (phenyl-4-sulfonamide) adamantane (FRSN) was synthesized and used for improving the flame retardancy of largely used polycarbonate (PC). The flame-retardant properties of the composites with incorporation of varied amounts of FRSN were analyzed by techniques including limited oxygen index, UL 94 vertical burning, and cone calorimeter tests. The new FR system with sulfur and nitrogen elements showed effective improvements in PC's flame retardancy: the LOI value of the modified PC increased significantly, smoke emission suppressed, and UL 94 V-0 achieved. Typically, the composite with only 0.08 wt% of FRSN added (an ultralow content) can increase the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value to 33.7% and classified as UL 94 V-0 rating. Furthermore, the mechanical properties and SEM morphology indicated that the FRSN has very good compatibility with PC matrix, which, in turn, is beneficial to the property enhancement. Finally, the analysis of sample residues after burning tests showed that a high portion of char was formed, contributing to the PC burning protection. This synthesized flame retardant provides a new way of improving PC's flame retardancy and its mechanical property.

An Extremely Efficient Silylated Benzensulfonate Flame Retardant for Polycarbonate

An extremely efficient flame retardant with low water solubility has been developed for bisphenol-A based polycarbonate. Potassium trimethylsilylbenzenesulfonate (KTSS) combining trimethylsilyl and sulfonate groups in its molecule is 7 times less water soluble and 5 times more effective in flame retardancy than potassium benzenesulfonylbenzenesulfonate (KSS), the commercial workhorse for polycarbonate (PC). At a loading of 0.02%, KTSS enables PC to achieve a solid UL-94 V0 rating and a limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 34.4%, representing an increase of 8.5 units. The extremely high efficiency of KTSS stems from its great migration ability to the burning polymer surface facilitated by trimethylsilyl group, its timely release of active alkaline species that promote the charring process of PC, and the stabilization of char by silicon. In addition to the exceptional flame retardancy, PC/KTSS retains excellent physical properties of PC.

Hyperbranched Polysiloxanes Based on Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane Cages with Ultra-High Molecular Weight and Structural Tuneability

Hyperbranched siloxane-based polymers with ultra-high molecular weight were synthesized by the Piers–Rubinsztajn reaction between octakis(dimethylsiloxy) octasilsesquioxane with different dialkoxysilanes, using tris(pentafluorophenyl) borane as the catalyst. The origin of the high molecular weight is explained by the high reactivity of the catalyst and strain energy of isolated small molecule in which all eight silane groups close into rings on the sides of a single cubic cage. The structural tuneability was further demonstrated by use of methyl(3-chloropropyl)diethoxysilane, which generates a polymer with similar ultra-high molecular weight. Introduction of phosphonate groups through the chloropropyl sites later leads to functionalized polymers which can encapsulate various transition metal nanoparticles.

Synthesis of an Efficient S/N-Based Flame Retardant and Its Application in Polycarbonate

Considering the poor compatibility and water-resistance of sulfonate flame retardants for polycarbonate (PC), an efficient S/N-based flame retardant named 1,3,5,7-tetrakis(phenyl-4-sulfonyl-melamine)adamantane (ASN) has been developed. Fire properties studies of PC/ASN blends indicate that the addition of 0.10 wt % ASN imparts a V-0 rating and a limited oxygen index (LOI) value of 30.1% to PC specimens, and ASN can suppress the heat and toxic gas release of PC composites. Additionally, PC/ASN blends are believed to be exceptional materials for outdoor PC applications due to their superior water-resistance properties. Moreover, mechanical properties were further systematically investigated, and the correlative results indicate that the tensile strength and rigidity of specimens are improved with the addition of ASN.

Thermal Degradation Mechanism of a Thermostable Polyester Stabilized with an Open-Cage Oligomeric Silsesquioxane

A polyester composite was prepared through the polymerization of an unsaturated ester resin with styrene and an open-cage oligomeric silsesquioxane with methacrylate groups. The effect of the open-cage oligomeric silsesquioxane on the thermal stability of the thermostable polyester was studied using both thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis. The results showed that the methacryl oligomeric silsesquioxane improved the thermal stability of the polyester. The decomposition mechanism of the polyester/oligomer silsesquioxane composite was proposed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of the volatiles.

Pyrolysis products and thermal degradation mechanism of intrinsically flame-retardant carrageenan fiber

Carrageenan fiber (CAF) was prepared by a wet spinning method to develop an excellent flame-retardant material.