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Synergistic Flame Retardancy in Isocyanate-Based Polyimide Foams Using TCPP and LDHs

flame retardant

Synergistic Flame Retardancy in Isocyanate-Based Polyimide Foams Using TCPP and LDHs

Abstract

Isocyanate-based polyimide foams (PIFs) have garnered significant attention in various industrial applications due to their advantageous properties, including thermal stability, mechanical strength, and lightweight characteristics. However, their flammability poses a challenge for broader usage. This essay explores the integration of liquid tri (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCPP) and micro-sized hydrotalcite (LDH) particles as flame retardants in isocyanate-based PIFs. The study elucidates the effects of varying dosages and mixing ratios of these additives on the foams’ fire resistance and structural integrity. The findings highlight the potential of combining TCPP and LDHs to achieve enhanced fire resistance and improved cellular structure.

Introduction

Polyimide foams, particularly those based on isocyanate, are widely utilized in industries ranging from aerospace to automotive due to their exceptional thermal stability and mechanical properties. Nevertheless, their inherent flammability remains a critical drawback that limits their applications in fire-sensitive environments. Therefore, the incorporation of flame retardants is essential to enhance their fire resistance.

In recent years, various flame retardants have been investigated to improve the fire performance of polymeric materials. Among these, liquid phosphorous-based compounds, such as TCPP, have demonstrated significant efficacy. TCPP is known for its ability to disrupt the combustion process through both physical and chemical modes of action. However, the use of TCPP in high concentrations can adversely affect the foam’s structural integrity due to its volatility during the curing process.

Conversely, LDHs, which are inorganic compounds composed of metal hydroxides, have shown promise as flame retardants. Their unique layered structure allows for the intercalation of various anions, which can enhance their thermal stability and flame-retardant properties when incorporated into polymeric matrices. This essay aims to investigate the synergistic effects of combining TCPP and LDHs in isocyanate-based PIFs, focusing on the fire resistance and the structural properties of the resultant foams.

Materials and Methods

Synthesis of Polyimide Foams

Isocyanate-based PIFs were synthesized via a one-step process, incorporating different dosages of TCPP and LDH particles. The foams were categorized based on the following formulations:

Control (no additives)

TCPP-only formulations (varying dosages)

LDH-only formulations (varying dosages)

Combined TCPP and LDH formulations (various mixing ratios)

The preparation involved thorough mixing of the components, followed by curing under controlled conditions. The resulting foams were subjected to various analytical tests to evaluate their properties.

Analytical Methods

Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI): This test was conducted to assess the minimum concentration of oxygen required for combustion. Higher LOI values indicate better flame resistance.

Cone Calorimeter Test (CCT): The CCT was employed to evaluate the heat release characteristics of the foams, providing insights into their fire behavior.

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM): SEM was utilized to observe the macro- and micro-structural integrity of the foams, allowing for a detailed examination of cellular morphology.

Thermal Stability Analysis: Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed to assess the thermal stability of the foams under varying conditions.

Results

Fire Resistance Characteristics

The fire resistance of isocyanate-based PIFs was significantly influenced by the incorporation of TCPP and LDHs. The LOI values demonstrated that formulations containing TCPP exhibited enhanced flame retardancy compared to those with LDHs alone. Specifically, a 29.4% increase in LOI was observed when 10% TCPP was incorporated.

The cone calorimeter test results further supported these findings, revealing that the peak heat release rate (PHRR) decreased by 36.1% with the addition of 10% TCPP. This reduction is crucial, as it indicates a slower rate of heat release, thereby improving the material’s safety in fire scenarios.

Structural Integrity Assessment

While TCPP showed superior flame-retardant efficiency, its excessive concentration led to detrimental effects on the foam’s structure. SEM images illustrated that when the TCPP dosage exceeded 10%, significant cracking occurred in the macro-cellular structure, and micro-cellular openings were observed. These structural damages were attributed to the rapid volatilization of TCPP during the post-curing phase, resulting in cellular contraction.

In contrast, the incorporation of LDHs demonstrated the ability to enhance the structural integrity of the foams. When TCPP was used in combination with LDHs at a ratio of 10% each, the resultant foams exhibited improved macro- and micro-cellular structures. The dispersion of LDHs within the foams contributed to strengthening the cellular windows and skeletons, thereby reducing cell contraction.

Synergistic Effects of TCPP and LDHs

The combination of TCPP and LDHs proved to be synergistic in enhancing both fire resistance and structural integrity. The presence of LDHs mitigated the adverse effects of TCPP on cellular structure, allowing for a more stable foam matrix. The optimized formulation of 10% TCPP and 10% LDHs not only improved fire performance but also maintained the cellular structure compared to foams treated with TCPP alone.

Discussion

The findings underscore the importance of balancing flame retardant additives in polymeric systems to achieve optimal fire performance without compromising structural integrity. The effectiveness of TCPP as a flame retardant is well-documented; however, its high volatility poses challenges in maintaining the desired properties of PIFs. The introduction of LDHs addresses these challenges by reinforcing the foam structure while providing additional flame retardancy.

The observed reduction in PHRR and the increase in LOI highlight the potential of using liquid and solid flame retardants in tandem. This approach not only enhances fire safety but also ensures the preservation of essential mechanical properties, which is critical for the practical applications of PIFs in various industries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study demonstrates that the combination of liquid TCPP and micro-sized LDHs significantly improves the fire resistance and structural integrity of isocyanate-based polyimide foams. The synergistic effects of these flame retardants allow for the formulation of high-quality PIFs that meet safety standards without sacrificing performance. Future research should explore the long-term stability and environmental impacts of these flame retardant systems to ensure their sustainable use in various applications.

 

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