Synthesis, crosslinking and flame retardance of polymers of boron-containing difunctional styrenic monomers

Two novel difunctional styrenic monomers - 2,2-bis(4-vinylbenzyl)propane-1,3-diol and 5,5-bis(4-vinylbenzyl)-2-phenyl-[1,3,2] dioxaborinane - were synthesized and copolymerized to test the influence of boron on the properties of materials. They were characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, FTIR and 1H, 13C NMR spectroscopy. The copolymers with boron showed higher thermal stability and char yields than polystyrene or homologous copolymers without boron. The thermal degradation of boron-containing styrenic polymers was studied by FTIR and boric acid was detected at high temperatures. LOI values increase with boron content.