Flame retardant polyurethane foams with starch unit

Abstract

Polyurethane foams with incorporated starch described in up to date literature have good functional properties except flame resistance. Their oxygen index falls within 19.3–20.5%, while flame rate is 2.25–12.50 mm/s. We have obtained and tested polyurethane foams with following flame retardants: melamine, and two phosphoric(V) acid esters: Fyrol PNX and Fyrol PCF. The functional properties of the flame retardant modified foams were compared with non-modified foams using horizontal flaming tests, determination of oxygen index and combustion in microcalorimeter. According to horizontal flaming tests all modified foams were self-extinguishing. The oxygen index of modified foams was within 22.9–24.4%. The foams could stand long-term heating at 150 °C temperature. Moreover, the polyurethane foams have a biodegradation potential.

Keywords

• Starch
• Hydroxyalkylation
• Polyols
• Polyurethane foams
• Flame retardants
• Biodegradation