Thermal decomposition of polymer mixtures of PVC,PET and ABS containing brominated flame retardant: Formation of chlorinated and brominated organic compounds

The thermal decomposition of various mixtures of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), ABS containing brominated epoxy resin flame retardant and Sb₂O₃, poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) has been studied in order to clarify the reactions between the components of mixed polymers. More than 40 halogen-containing molecules have been identified among the pyrolysis products of mixed samples. Brominated and chlorinated aromatic esters were detected from the mixtures containing PET and halogen-containing polymers. A series of chlorinated, brominated and mixed chlorinated and brominated phenols and bisphenol A molecules have been identified among the pyrolysis products of polymer mixtures containing flame retarded ABS and PVC. It was established that the decomposition rate curves (DTG) of the mixtures were not simple superpositions of the individual components indicating interactions between the decomposition reactions of the polymer components. The maximal rate of thermal decomposition of both ABS and PET decreases significantly if the mixture contains brominated epoxy flame retardant and Sb₂O₃ synergist. The dehydrochlorination rate of PVC is enhanced in the presence of ABS or PET.     

Synergistic fire retardancy of colemanite, a natural hydrated calcium borate, in high-impact polystyrene containing brominated epoxy and antimony oxide

This study explores for the first time the synergistic fire retardant action of natural hydrated calcium borate, namely the mineral colemanite, which partially replaces antimony oxide in brominated flame retardant high-impact polystyrene compounds. Various antimony oxide to hydrated calcium borate ratios were employed keeping the brominated flame retardant additive at a constant loading level. With partial colemanite substitution for antimony oxide, lower heat release rate, total heat evolved and fire growth index was obtained under forced flaming fire conditions. Synergism was also seen in limiting oxygen index along with maintained V-0 classification in UL-94 tests. Regarding fire behaviour and flammability ratings, a large antimony oxide to calcium borate ratio provided ultimate fire retardant performance whereas magnitudes of synergism in average heat release rate and total heat evolved tend to be higher towards a smaller ratio. Effective heats of combustion and structural/morphological characterization of fire residues ascribed the underlying mechanism demonstrated by hydrated calcium borate to the formation of a consolidated residue that co-operates with the dominant gas phase fire retardancy originating from bromine-antimony synergism. It is thus proposed that coupling is achieved between gas phase and condensed phase modes of action increasing the overall fire retardant effectiveness. Along with enhanced fire retardancy, thermal stability and mechanical properties were satisfactorily maintained with the use of hydrated calcium borate at a variety of loading levels in compounds.     

Study of flame retardance in brominated liquid polybutadienes

Bromination, carried out with either bromine or carbon tetrabromide, imparts good fire retardant characteristics to low molecular weight polybutadienes, independently of the method of bromination. The fire retardant action is due mainly to a condensed phase mechanism at a bromine content below 7%, whereas a gas phase mechanism is involved at higher bromine content. Synergism with Sb₂O₃ occurs only with polybutadienes brominated with carbon tetrabromide, apparently by a gas phase mechanism.     

Thermal degradation behavior of hyperbranched polyphosphate acrylate/tri(acryloyloxyethyl) phosphate as an intumescent flame retardant system

The hyperbranched polyphosphate acrylate (HPPA) was blended in different ratios with tri(acryloyloxyethyl) phosphate (TAEP) to obtain a series of UV curable intumescent flame retardant resins. The thermal degradation mechanism of their cured films in air was studied by thermogravimetric analysis and in situ Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that the addition of HPPA reduced the initial decomposition temperature (T_di) but increased the char residue. Moreover, the decomposition was considered to be divided into three stages: firstly the degradation of phosphate group, secondly ester group and finally alkyl chain. The morphological structure of the formed char was observed by scanning electron microscopy, demonstrating the formation mechanism of the intumescent charred crust.     

Nanomorphology and fire behavior of polystyrene/organoclay nanocomposites containing brominated epoxy and antimony oxide

Organoclay nanocomposites were prepared by ultrasound‐assisted solution intercalation technique based on polystyrene containing brominated epoxy and a combination of brominated epoxy and antimony oxide. Aspects of nanomorphology and nanodispersion were investigated by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy whereas flammability and reaction to fire were evaluated using limiting oxygen index, UL‐94, and mass loss calorimeter tests. Polystyrene/brominated‐epoxy‐blend‐based nanocomposites showed mixed intercalated–exfoliated nanomorphology where polymer‐intercalated crystallites predominantly exist in polystyrene matrix and exfoliated silicate layers reside on polystyrene/brominated epoxy phase boundaries and within brominated epoxy domains. Organoclay was found to impart a compatibilization effect on polystyrene and dispersed brominated epoxy, which facilitates uniform distribution of a fine flame‐retarding phase within the matrix. With the reduction of the rate at which decomposition products evolve into the gas phase, organoclay nanocomposites showed notable reductions in peak heat release rate and increases in limiting oxygen index. The gas‐phase hot radical entrapment by halogenated flame‐retardant system was coupled with the condensed‐phase physical action of nanodispersed organoclay, which increased the overall fire‐retardant effectiveness. Fire‐retardant mechanisms of nanocomposites based on polystyrene/brominated epoxy blends were attributed to nanoconfinement and tortuous pathway effects of organoclay rather than to carbonaceous char formation proposed earlier for polystyrene/organoclay systems without conventional flame retardants. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation and characterisation of a novel fire retardant PET/α-zirconium phosphate nanocomposite

The preparation of a novel fire retardant nanocomposite of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) using nanoscopic α-zirconium phosphate (α-ZrP), by in situ polymerisation was investigated. The novel fire retarded PET nanocomposite, PET-co-DDP/α-ZrP, was synthesized by the direct condensation of terephthalic acid, ethylene glycol, 9,10-dihydro-10[2,3-di(hydroxycarbonyl)propyl]-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DDP) and nano α-ZrP. The morphology, thermal stability and burning behaviour of the nanocomposite with 1 wt% α-ZrP loading was investigated. The extent of dispersion of the nanofillers was quantified by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Significant improvements in fire retardant performance were observed for the nanocomposite from limiting oxygen index (increased from 21.2 to 32.6), UL-94 (achieving V-0), and cone calorimetry (reducing both the heat release rate and the total heat released, without reducing the time to ignition).     

Flame retardation of glass-fibre-reinforced polyamide 6 by a novel metal salt of alkylphosphinic acid

Aluminum salts of phosphinic acid mixture of diisobutylphosphinic acid and monoisobutylphosphinic acid (HPA-2TBA-Al) and glass fibres were compounded with polyamide 6 to prepare a series of flame retardant GF/PA6 composites via melt blending. The flame retardance and burning behaviors of the composites were investigated by limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL-94), and Cone calorimeter test. The thermal properties and decomposition kinetics were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) under N₂ atmosphere. Addition of HPA-2TBA-Al results in an increased LOI value, a UL-94 V-0 rating together with a decrease in both the values of PHRR and THR in Cone calorimetric analysis. Visual observations and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) after flame retardant tests confirmed the char-formation which acts as a fire barrier in condense phase. Analysis of cone calorimeter data indicates that gas phase flame retardant mechanism exists in the GFPA6/HPA-2TBA-Al system.     

Mechanical and flame‐retardant properties and thermal decomposition of vinyl ester resin modified by different phenyl silsesquioxanes

The mechanical properties and fire resistance of vinyl ester resin (VER) composites containing cage‐shaped octaphenyl silsesquioxane (OPS), incompletely cage‐shaped phenyl silsesquioxane (PhT₇POSS), and ladder‐shaped phenyl silsesquioxane (PPSQ) were investigated. The POSS structure and dispersion have a great influence on the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and decomposition process of VER composites. The bending strength at break and modulus of the VER‐POSS composites were enhanced obviously, especially for VER‐PPSQ composite and VER‐OPS composite, respectively. In addition, PhT₇POSS‐based VER composites revealed the lower values of the peak heat release rate, total heat release, and total smoke release in cone calorimetry tests due to the formation of dense carbon/silica protective layers that acted as a barrier to heat and mass transfer. Moreover, the flame‐retardant mechanisms of condensed phase and gas phase were also investigated in detail. These results illustrate VERs modified by OPS, PhT₇POSS, and PPSQ are providing an applicable method to fabricate the composites with excellent flame‐retardant and mechanical properties.     

Kinetic studies of the decomposition of flame retardant containing high-impact polystyrene

The thermal decomposition of flame retardant free high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) and four HIPS samples containing brominated flame retardants has been studied using TGA at different heating rates between 2.5 and 10 K min⁻¹. Decabromodiphenyl ether (DPE) and decabromodibenzyl (DDB) were used as flame retardants, and two of the samples contained antimony trioxide (Sb₂O₃) synergist besides the brominated additives. The activation energies (E_A) and frequency factors (k₀) were calculated by the methods of Kissinger and Ozawa. A compensation effect was observed and used for the identification of changes in the degradation kinetics. In a third step, the kinetic model of the reaction was determined. Both Kissinger and Ozawa showed that the HIPS degraded with an E_A of 200 kJ mol⁻¹. The choice of the flame retardant had, however, little impact on the TGA plot. The addition of a flame retardant as well as the addition of Sb₂O₃ reduced the E_A. Fire retardant free HIPS degraded mainly by power-law kinetics, while the addition of a flame retardant caused the mechanism to change to a phase-boundary controlled mechanism after a weight loss of 80 wt%.     

Coir-fiber-based fire retardant nano filler for epoxy composites

Coir-fiber-based fire retardant nano filler has been developed for epoxy resin (ER). At first, the coir fiber was brominated with saturated bromine water and then treated with stannous chloride solution. After drying, it was grinded to nano dimension and mix well with ER for composites preparations. FTIR, DSC, and TG techniques were used to characterize the brominated coir fiber. Gravimetric analysis shows only 10% by mass of bromination on coir fiber. Bromination decreases the thermal stability of the coir fiber, but it does not affect the final stability of the composites. This study concentrates on the thermal, fire retardant, and morphological properties of nanocomposites prepared by direct mixing. The fire retardancy properties (smoke density and limiting oxygen index) of coir–epoxy nanocomposites have increased significantly.     

Flammability and thermal behaviour of phosphorus-containing polyamides. Copolymers of poly(1,4-phenylene terephthalamide), poly(1,3-phenylene isophthalamide), poly(1,4-phenylene sebacylamide) and poly(1,3-phenylene sebacylamide)

Some flame retardant copolyamides derived from 1,4-phenylenediamine or 1,3-phenylenediamine and N,N′-bis[(dialkoxyphosphinyl)methyl]1,4-benzenediamine with terephthaloyl or isophthaloyl, or sebacoyl dichlorides, are reported. Thermal and thermo-oxidative stability were studied by means of TGA. The influence of chemical structure in enhancing thermo-oxidative resistance of copolyamides was established. In the case of sebacylamides the DSC thermograms were also obtained. The flammabilities of the copolymers were determined by means of the limiting oxygen index; in the case of sebacylamides, the limiting nitrous oxide index was also determined. Comparison of LN₂OI with the LOI in sebacylamides reveals that the action of the flame retardant groups affects mainly the condensed phase decomposition. This view is also supported from the new stage of decomposition revealed in the DTGA thermograms.     

Characterising in situ activation and degradation of hindered amine light stabilisers using liquid extraction surface analysis-mass spectrometry

Changes in the molecular structure of polymer antioxidants such as hindered amine light stabilisers (HALS) is central to their efficacy in retarding polymer degradation and therefore requires careful monitoring during their in-service lifetime. The HALS, bis-(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl) sebacate (TIN123) and bis-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidinyl) sebacate (TIN292), were formulated in different polymer systems and then exposed to various curing and ageing treatments to simulate in-service use. Samples of these coatings were then analysed directly using liquid extraction surface analysis (LESA) coupled with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Analysis of TIN123 formulated in a cross-linked polyester revealed that the polymer matrix protected TIN123 from undergoing extensive thermal degradation that would normally occur at 292 °C, specifically, changes at the 1- and 4-positions of the piperidine groups. The effect of thermal versus photo-oxidative degradation was also compared for TIN292 formulated in polyacrylate films by monitoring the in situ conversion of N-CH₃ substituted piperidines to N-H. The analysis confirmed that UV light was required for the conversion of N-CH₃ moieties to N-H – a major pathway in the antioxidant protection of polymers – whereas this conversion was not observed with thermal degradation. The use of tandem mass spectrometric techniques, including precursor-ion scanning, is shown to be highly sensitive and specific for detecting molecular-level changes in HALS compounds and, when coupled with LESA, able to monitor these changes in situ with speed and reproducibility.     

Stereoselective construction of an anti-β-alkoxy ether by Ireland-Claisen rearrangement for medium-ring ether synthesis

The asymmetric synthesis of an acyclic anti-β-alkoxy ether was achieved by the Ireland-Claisen rearrangement of Z-3-alkoxy-2-propenyl glycolate ester, prepared from Garner’s aldehyde, a glycolic acid derivative, and ethynyl N,N-diisopropylcarbamate. The resulting acyclic ether was facilely converted to seven- and eight-membered cyclic ethers via processes involving ring-closing olefin metatheses.     

Thermal behaviour of covalently bonded phosphate and phosphonate flame retardant polystyrene systems

Pyrolyses of the reactively flame retarded polystyrene copolymers styrene/diethyl(acryloyloxyethyl)phosphate(S/DEAEP), styrene/diethyl(methacryloyloxyethyl)phosphate(S/DEMEP), styrene/diethyl(methacryloyloxymethyl)phosphonate(S/DEMMP) and styrene/diethyl(acryloyloxymethyl)phosphonate(S/DEAMP) have been investigated with a view to obtaining information pertinent to the mechanism of their flame retardant behaviour. Studies were also carried out on the additive polystyrene systems containing triethylphosphate (TEP) and diethylethylphosphonate (DEEP) for comparison. All the systems contained 3.5 wt% of phosphorus. A range of techniques were used, namely TG with EGA, DSC, SEM, laser and microfurnace pyrolysis mass spectrometry and isothermal pyrolysis/GC-MS, to study the decompositions under a range of conditions. In the case of the additive systems, the additive was shown to be evolved before polymer decomposition occurred. Very little, if any, char residues were observed. Thus the main mechanism of fire retardant action of the phosphorus incorporated into the polystyrene as an additive would occur in the vapour phase. This mechanism prevailed regardless of whether the additive was a phosphate (TEP) or a phosphonate (DEEP). The effectiveness of the fire retardant action would be limited as the fire retardant and fuel did not volatilise together. There was evidence that some interaction occurred in the condensed phase. In all the copolymers the phosphorus content of the char was substantial. This is characteristic of the condensed phase fire retardant action of phosphorus. SEM studies showed the interior of the char to be a network of channels which would give the char a sponge-like interior which would enhance thermal insulation. The surfaces were relatively dense thus providing a barrier to escape for any gaseous products formed in the interior. Char formation and cross-linking are assumed to be the result of the presence of the strong phosphoric and phosphonic acids resulting from initial pyrolysis. Since phosphonic is the weaker acid, the polymer degradation and release of volatile products may be less inhibited in the case of the phosphonate-containing copolymers compared to the phosphate-containing copolymers. This is consistent with their shorter times to ignition. There was also evidence for some potential phosphorus vapour phase fire retardant action as phosphorus-containing species were identified among the pyrolysis products for all samples. The rate of volatile evolution from the copolymers was reduced compared to that of the corresponding additive system.     

Rhodium-catalyzed synthesis of 2,3 – Disubstituted N-methoxy pyrroles and furans via [3+2] cycloaddition between metal carbenoids and activated olefins

For the first time, we report the synthesis of 2-substituted N-alkoxy pyrrole 3-carboxylate and furan 3-carboxylate via Rh-catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition between α-diazo oxime ether or α-diazo carbonyl compounds with vinyl equivalents in a one-pot process. We have demonstrated ethyl vinyl ether as well as vinyl acetate as vinyl equivalents and both were found to give excellent yields. We have also demonstrated the synthesis of N-alkoxy dihydropyrrole derivatives by carrying out the reaction at low temperature.     

Characterization of fire retardant polymer blends by temperature resolved in-source pyrolysis mass spectrometry

The characterization of fire retardant polymer blends by temperature resolved in-source pyrolysis mass spectrometry (PYMS) is demonstrated with a few examples. Electron impact (EI) and electron capture negative ionization (ECNI) were used to identify the thermal degradation products of polymer blends containing brominated fire retardants. PYMS (EI mode) offers an analytical instrument for a fast analysis of unknown mixtures of polymers and for the presence of fire retardant additives. Under electron impact conditions, in vacuo, low-molecular weight additives like fire retardants mainly evaporate from the polymer matrix. PYMS (EI mode) has been used for the characterization of addition polymers like polystyrene and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, and for condensation polymers like the polyester poly(butylene terephthalate). Applying electron capture negative ionization, at low argon pressure in the ionization chamber, a more realistic pyrolysis situation is created because the premature loss of volatile additives is suppressed. The selectivity of ECNI for electron accepting groups like bromine makes it possible to study the influence of brominated compounds on the degradation processes in the melt. This is demonstrated by our studies on polystyrene and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer. High-molecular weight pyrolysis products in the m/z range of 1000 - 2000 are detected for p-bromopolystyrene and for a blend of high impact polystyrene with the fire retardant system decabromodiphenyl ether/antimony(III) oxide. In addition to the formation of antimony bromides shown in earlier studies, the emission of the synergist antimony(III) oxide as a dimeric cluster (Sb₄O₆) or as a reduced Sb₄ cluster is observed under PYMS conditions.     

Cross-metathesis of allyl halides with olefins bearing an α-alkoxy amide group

We have examined whether the allyl halide cross-metathesis reaction tolerates α-alkoxy amide groups. Ruthenium-based catalysts I-III did not catalyze the cross-metathesis of allyl halides in the presence of an α-alkoxy N,N-dimethylamide group to any appreciable extent, but the reaction could tolerate either a bulky N,N-diisopropylamide or Weinreb amide group. In particular, the Grubbs-Hoveyda-Blechert 2nd generation catalyst (III) efficiently catalyzed the cross-metathesis of allyl halides with olefins bearing a Weinreb amide group.     

Kinetics of tetrabromobisphenol A pyrolysis. Comparison between correlation and mechanistic models

Brominated flame retardants are well recognized as being highly effective flame retardants. 4-4′-Isopropylidenebis(2,6-dibromophenol), commonly known as tetrabromobisphenol A, is the brominated flame retardant with the largest production volume and is used to improve fire safety, mainly of laminates in electrical and electronic equipment. A kinetic study of the pyrolysis of TBBA has been carried out to obtain decomposition parameters under different operating conditions and taking into account that TBBA is a compound with a high boiling point and that vaporization occurs simultaneously to decomposition. Dynamic runs and dynamic + isothermal run at different heating rates and using different masses of sample were correlated simultaneously. All TG runs were fitted with a unique set of kinetic parameters that is able to explain all the experiments. Moreover, a simplified detailed kinetic model has been developed and the kinetic parameters obtained satisfactorily reproduce the thermal decomposition of TBBA.     

Thermal degradation behavior of polymethacrylates containing amine side groups

The thermal degradation behavior of polymethacrylates containing amine groups such as poly(N,N-diethyl aminoethyl methacrylate), PDEAEM, and poly(N-ethyl-m-tolyl-aminoethyl methacrylate), PMEET, has been studied using thermogravimetry coupled with infrared spectroscopy (TGA/FTIR). PDEAEM showed two degradation stages whereas PMEET displayed only one. The thermal degradation of PDEAEM initially takes place through ester cleavage of the polymethacrylate, generating volatile tertiary amines and alcohols and polymethacrylic anhydride in the remaining solid material. This is followed by further fragmentation of the modified polymeric chain formed. It was also observed that storage of the original polymer affected the thermal decomposition behavior of PDEAEM. The main thermal degradation pathway for PMEET is an immediate backbone chain scission to yield oligomers.     

Autoinflammation et stabilite thermique de la poly(vinyl 4 pyridine) quaternisee—III: Autoinflammation du bromure de poly(N(oxo 3 butyl) vinyl 4 pyridinium)

The self-ignition of quaternized poly(4 vinyl pyridines) (P4VP) has been studied for three series of compounds prepared by reaction of vinyl methyl ketone (VMC) with P4VP quaternized by HBr. The self-ignition temperatures (θ_s,i) have been determined in air at atmospheric pressure as a function of the bromine and VMC concentrations. The results are similar to those for P4VP quaternized by bromoalkanes. They exhibit in particular a dependence of θ_s,i on Br content. The general shape of the self-ignition curves is qualitatively explained on the basis of a competing mechanism involving radicals and molecular brominated species in the gaseous phase. Such species have been identified by mass spectrometry, performed during the thermal decomposition of these compounds under N₂. Addition of the bromide derivatives to VMC evolved during the pyrolysis is also suggested.