Flame retardant modification of waterborne polyurethane fabric coating agent with high hydrostatic pressure resistance

Abstract In this work, a series of flame retardant modification crosslinking waterborne polyurethanes (OWPUs) were synthesized. The structures, emulsion performance, film and application properties of prepared OWPUs were investigated. Conclusions drawn from the study were that the incorporation of flame retardant ExolitOP550 makes the particle size of the OWPU dispersions larger, and the result of Zeta potential can be deduced that all polyurethane dispersions are well stabilized. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and thermogravimetric analysis-fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-mass spectrometry (TGA-FTIR-MS) revealed that the ExolitOP550 can catalyze the formation of a protective char layer and release new nonflammable gas. Hence, as the content of ExolitOP550 increases, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of OWPU films and the flame resistance of OWPU fabric specimens become better and better. After coated, textiles showed excellent hydrostatic pressure resistance performance and the flame retardant property compared with the uncoated counterparts. However, the hydrostatic pressure decreased with the increase of ExolitOP550. In view of the comprehensive performance of OWPUs, especially the application properties, well performed OWPU may be synthesized with 12 wt% proportion of ExolitOP550.