Influence of phenylphosphonic amide on rheological, mechanical and flammable properties of carbon fiber/RTM6 composites

The aim of this work was to study the influence of a high efficient halogen-free phenylphosphonic amide flame retardant (FP1) to epoxy resin (brand name RTM6) on the rheological, mechanical and water absorption properties of the carbon fiber/RTM6 epoxy composite (CFR). With a 8 wt% loading FP1 in RMT6, the processing of CFR/FP1 was able to use the equal condition with that of CFR since the viscosity of RTM6 was maintained at a similar level in the minimum viscosity temperature region. The addition of FP1 showed negligible impacts on the interlayer share strength (ILSS) and in-plane share strength (IPSS) of CFR. The interfacial strength between RTM6 matrix and carbon fiber was decreased due to the impact of FP1 on cross-linking density and polarity of RTM6. The flame retardant efficiency of FP1 showed difference in presence of carbon fiber or not in RTM6. RTM6/FP1 (8 wt%) had a LOI value of 38%, achieved a V-0 rating at thickness of 3.2 mm in UL 94 test and showed 60% reduction in peak of heat release rate. RTM6/carbon fiber/FP1 (8 wt%) had a LOI of 43%, while it showed reduced performance in UL 94 and cone calorimeter tests.