Phosphorus-containing flame retardants for fire-safe foamed polymers

Abstract

The increased fire hazard of foamed polymers hinders their widespread use in the construction industry. An effective method of reducing the combustibility of carbonizing polymers is the use of phosphorus-containing flame retardants. Therefore, investigation of the influence of phosphorus-containing flame retardants to the composition of pyrolysis products and operational properties – heat resistance, flammability, combustibility and smoke generating ability – is the important objective. In the article we have presented the results of related experimental studies. The effects of phosphorus-containing flame retardants on heat resistance and main operational properties related to fire-safety of foamed constructional polymers are examined. A correlation was found between the results of evaluating the combustibility of foams by the limiting oxygen index and the combustibility index. Optimal concentrations of phosphorus in the foamed thermosetting polymers are established. It was shown that optimal concentration of the flame retardants leads to low combustibility of polyurethane-, resole- and urea-based foamed polymers.