Preparation and Performance of a Novel Intumescent Flame Retardant

A novel phosphor-nitrogen intumescent flame retardant was prepared by dry method (without adding any solvent) using H3PO4, P2O5, pentaerythritol and melamine as raw materials. IR analysis found that the synthetic flame retardants had the P=O and P-O-C double-ring structures, the same to phosphate ester melamine salts. The reaction temperature, time and the ratio of raw materials had significant effect on the esterification reaction. The esterification reaction temperature should be controlled between 120°C and 130°C, and the reaction time should be 2.5 hours. The conversion rate of esterification could be improved by adding P2O5 to the reaction, and preferential mole rate between H3PO4 and P2O5 should be 2:1. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the starting decomposition temperature of the flame retardant was 190°C, and at 700°C, the residual char rate was about 30%. The expansion ratio of the flame retardant after heated was about 30 to 50 times, SEM analysis found that the exteral surface of the expansion char layer was continuous and smooth, and the interior of the expansion char layer was uniformly porous structures, and the aperture size was about 150-200 μm, such porous structures could provide better adiabatic effect.