TG–FTIR characterization of volatile compounds from flame retardant polyurethane foams materials

Flame retardant polyurethane foams materials (PUFM) composites were prepared using tricresyl phosphate (TCP) as flame retardant. The combustion and thermal degradation behaviors of flame retardant PUFM composites were investigated by microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC) and thermogravimetric analysis/infrared spectrometry (TG–IR). The results showed that TCP had excellent flame retardant abilities for PUFM. The TGA curves suggested that TCP has good ability of char formation. The volatilized products formed on thermal degradation of flame retardant PUFM indicated that the volatilized products are mainly carbonyl compounds, CO2, and esters. In addition, TCP can greatly reduce the toxic gases containing NCO groups and increase CO2 as nonflammable gases when it is incorporated into the composites.

► Flame retardant polyurethane foams materials (PUFM) have been prepared.
► Combustion and thermal degradation behaviors of PUFM were studied by MCC and TG–IR.
► TCP has excellent flame retardant abilities for polyurethane foams materials.
► TCP has good ability of char formation in the polyurethane foams materials.
► The volatilized products are mainly carbonyl compounds, CO2, and esters.