Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-17-2024

Abstract

Rigid foams, which are mostly used in the construction, refrigeration, and automotive industries, are one of the most important groups of polyurethanes with substantial potential for insulation and energy efficiency. Regrettably, stiff polyurethane foams often catch fire and are entirely combustible. They rapidly spread the flame as well. Rigid foams are considered hazardous materials because of all these potentially life-threatening situations and environmental issues. In response, nitrogen-based compounds have emerged as efficient, affordable, and ecologically friendly flame-retardant substitutes for halogenated compounds. It has been established that melamine derivatives should be included in stiff polyurethane foams to create nitrogen-based flame retardants. Because it includes melamine and its derivatives, which are also effective at stopping the spread of fire, the rigid foam is more thermally stable. This study found that the renewable resource castor oil (CO) allayed worries about environmental pollution. To improve production efficiency, sustainability, and compressive strength, CO-based multifunctional polyols were used in the synthesis of PU foam, which is widely used as an impact-absorbing material for protective gear. Two types of polyols based on castor oil with varied percentages of hydroxyl were prepared, and the viscosity of the blends was assessed. The physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of melamine (MA), melamine cyanurate (MC), and melamine phosphate (MP) at different concentrations were investigated in bio-based rigid polyurethane foam. In the burning test, the control foam burned for 49 seconds, losing 53.28% of its weight. Weight loss and the time it took for self-extinguishment were decreased by using more flame retardant than ordinary foam. Additionally, compared to foams based on MC, foams based on MA and MP showed a better level of thermal stability. The addition of MP and MA resulted in shorter burning times—9.5 and 14.4 seconds, respectively—and smaller weight losses—9.68% and 7.76%, respectively. When melamine-based flame retardants were added, there was less smoke and a quicker burning rate. It is possible to manufacture a bio-based polyurethane foam that exhibits suitable flame-retardant properties based on melamine, as the study reported here indicates. Thus, it was possible to use nitrogen-based flame retardants and castor oil polyol, two environmentally friendly ingredients, to improve the rigid polyurethane foams' mechanical, thermal, and physical stability.

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