Phosphorus-containing polymer flame retardants for aliphatic polyesters

Polyesters with 9,10-dihydro-9-oxy-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide-containing comonomers are synthesized aiming to improve the flame retardancy of aliphatic polyesters such as poly(butylene succinate) and poly(butylene sebacate). The influence of the chemical structure on the thermal decomposition and pyrolysis is examined using a combination of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), TGA-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and microscale combustion flow calorimetry. Thermal decomposition pathways are derived and used to select suitable candidates as flame retardants for PBS. The fire behavior of the selected polymers is evaluated by forced-flaming combustion in a cone calorimeter. The materials show two modes of action for flame retardancy: strong flame inhibition due to the release of a variety of molecules combined with charring in the solid state.