Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-17-2024

Abstract

Polyurethanes (PUs) can be made from a range of starting materials and are used in a variety of practical applications, including foams, coatings, adhesives, and sealants. In general, PUs are synthesized by reacting polyols with isocyanate. Traditional polyols are usually made from petroleum-based sources. The production of bio-based polyols from vegetable oils would reduce dependency on fossil fuels and the environmental effects associated with the mining and consumption of petroleum-based products. PU foams can catch fire due to their porous structure, hence the use of flame retardants is critical. Vegetable oil-based polyol was synthesized using an epoxidation reaction of double bonds followed by ring-opening. A halogen-free flame retardant (DPPMA) using melamine and diphenyl phosphonic acid was synthesized. The three sets of PU foams were created using three different flame retardants in varying quantities: melamine (MA), dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP), and melamine salt (DPPMA). The closed-cell content of MA-containing foam was 90%, whereas DMMP and DPPMA foams showed a declining tendency at larger loadings. The TGA and compression strength tests showed strong thermal stability at high temperatures. All the foams showed good compression strength. During the burning tests, all foams indicate a decrease in weight loss and burning time with an increase in the amount of FRs in the foams. Among the three FRs, the DMMP showed the shortest burning time and the highest compression strength. Our research suggests that vegetable oil-based polyol could be used as a substitute for petroleum-based polyol, and the addition of MA, DMMP, and DPPMA can significantly reduce the flammability of PU foams.

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