A novel intumescent flame retardant: Synthesis and application in ABS copolymer

A novel phosphorous-nitrogen structure containing intumescent flame retardant, poly(4,4-diaminodiphenyl methane spirocyclic pentaerythritol bisphosphonate) (PDSPB) was synthesized and characterized. Thermal stability and flammability properties of ABS/PDSPB composites were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and cone calorimeter test, respectively. The results showed that the addition of PDSPB enhanced the thermal stability and flame retardancy of ABS significantly. The weight of residues improved greatly with the addition of PDSPB. FTIR and SEM investigations revealed that the residual chars contain polyphosphoric or phosphoric acid, which plays an important role in the process of carbonization. The intumescent chars formed from PDSPB and ABS/PDSPB composites were intact, multicellular and strong. It is confirmed that the char structure was a critical factor for flame retardancy of ABS resin.