Side-chain phenol-functionalized poly(ether sulfone) and its contribution to high-performance and flexible epoxy thermosets

Amino Phenyl Copper Phosphate-Bridged Reactive Phosphaphenanthrene to Intensify Fire Safety of Epoxy Resins

To improve the compatibility between flame retardant and epoxy resin (EP) matrix, amino phenyl copper phosphate-9, 10-dihydro-9-oxygen-10-phospha-phenanthrene-10-oxide (CuPPA-DOPO) is synthesized through surface grafting, which is blended with EP matrix to prepare EP/CuPPA-DOPO composites. The amorphous structure of CuPPA-DOPO is characterized by X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images indicate that the agglomeration of hybrids is improved, resisting the intense intermolecular attractions on account of the acting force between CuPPA and DOPO. The results of thermal analysis show that CuPPA-DOPO can promote the premature decomposition of EP and increase the residual amount of EP composites. It is worth mentioning that EP/6 wt% CuPPA-DOPO composites reach UL-94 V-1 level and limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 32.6%. Meanwhile, their peak heat release rate (PHRR), peak smoke production release (PSPR) and CO₂ production (CO₂P) are decreased by 52.5%, 26.1% and 41.4%, respectively, compared with those of EP. The inhibition effect of CuPPA-DOPO on the combustion of EP may be due to the release of phosphorus and ammonia free radicals, as well as the catalytic charring ability of metal oxides and phosphorus phases.

Investigation of the Structure-Property Effect of Phosphorus-Containing Polysulfone on Decomposition and Flame Retardant Epoxy Resin Composites

The flame retardant modification of epoxy (EP) is of great signification for aerospace, automotive, marine, and energy industries. In this study, a series of EP composites containing different variations of phosphorus-containing polysulfone (with a phosphorus content of approximately 1.25 wt %) were obtained. The obtained EP/polysulfone composites had a high glass transition temperature (Tg) and high flame retardancy. The influence of phosphorus-containing compounds (ArPN₂, ArPO₂, ArOPN₂ and ArOPO₂) on the thermal properties and flame retardancy of EP/polysulfone composites was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), a UL-94 vertical burning test, and cone calorimeter tests. The phosphorus-containing polysulfone enhanced the thermal stability of EP. The more stable porous char layer, less flammable gases, and a lower apparent activation energy at a high degree of conversion demonstrated the high gas inhibition effect of phosphorus-containing compounds. Moreover, the gas inhibition effect of polysulfone with a P⁻C bond was more efficient than the polysulfone with a P⁻O⁻C bond. The potential for optimizing flame retardancy while maintaining a high Tg is highlighted in this study. The flame-retardant EP/polysulfone composites with high thermal stability broaden the application field of epoxy.

High-Tg, Low-Dielectric Epoxy Thermosets Derived from Methacrylate-Containing Polyimides

Three methacrylate-containing polyimides (Px⁻MMA; x = 1⁻3) were prepared from the esterification of hydroxyl-containing polyimides (Px⁻OH; x = 1⁻3) with methacrylic anhydride. Px⁻MMA exhibits active ester linkages (Ph⁻O⁻C(=O)⁻) that can react with epoxy in the presence of 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP), so Px⁻MMA acted as a curing agent for a dicyclopentadiene-phenol epoxy (HP7200) to prepare epoxy thermosets (Px⁻MMA/HP7200; x = 1⁻3) thermosets. For property comparisons, P1⁻OH/HP7200 thermosets were also prepared. The reaction between active ester and epoxy results in an ester linkage, which is less polar than secondary alcohol resulting from the reaction between phenolic OH and epoxy, so P1⁻MMA/HP7200 are more hydrophobic and exhibit better dielectric properties than P1⁻OH/HP7200. The double bond of methacrylate can cure at higher temperatures, leading to epoxy thermosets with a high-Tg and moderate-to-low dielectric properties.

Heat-resistant and photoluminescent indole-based poly(ether sulfone)s

Indole-based poly(ether sulfone)s (PINESs), as novel high-performance polymers, have been obtained by the condensation polymerization of 4-hydroxyindole and hydroquinone with activated difluoro monomers via a catalyst-free nucleophilic substitution reaction. The structures of the polymers are characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and the results show good agreement with the proposed structures. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis measurements exhibit that polymers possess high glass transition temperature ( Tgs > 245°C) and good thermal stability with high decomposition temperatures ( Tds > 440°C). In addition, due to their special structure, PINESs are endowed with significantly strong photonic luminescence in N, N-dimethylformamide.

Novel tough and thermally stable cyanate ester resins with high flame retardancy, low dielectric loss and constant based on a phenolphthalein type polyarylether sulfone

Tough cyanate ester resins with good compatibility, low dielectric loss, high flame retardancy and thermal stability were developed.