Development of novel flame retardants for polyurethane foams

Coleman, GV

Abstract

In line with current environmental concerns, a non—halogenated,
high phosphorus content flame retardant for polyurethane foams is
preferred. Cyclic phosphorus compounds have a high percentage of
phosphorus and should therefore exhibit good flame retardant activity
when incorporated into polyurethane foams. One such group of
compounds, known as phospholenes, had previously been successfully
synthesised but in poor yields and with only a few derivatives being
prepared. This work was concerned with identifying and then optimising
synthesis routes to a variety of model phospholene oxide esters, that were
proposed to have potential as novel flame retardants. Kinetic and
mechanistic studies of the simplest synthesis reaction were also
investigated. Once optimisation of both stages of the two stage synthesis
were successful in raising the yields from -25% to >90%, a flow reactor
was designed and constructed to facilitate production of the model
compounds in large quantities (-P 1/2 kg) required and then incorporated
into polyurethane foams at a variety of loadings. These flame retarded
polyurethane foams were prepared and extensive flammability tests were
subsequently performed to fully evaluate the model compounds'
performance as flame retardants. The model compounds exhibited
favourable flame retardant properties, but their physical properties
prohibited their use as commercial flame retardants. However the work
completed has shown the potential, within this area of compounds, for the
commercial development of suitable flame retardants.

Citation

Coleman, G. Development of novel flame retardants for polyurethane foams. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Aug 18, 2011
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 18, 2011
• Award Date: Jan 1, 1994