Commercial Flame Retardancy of Unsaturated Polyester and Vinyl Resins: Review

Abstract

Chlorendic acid-based and tetrabromophthalate polyesters are major flame-retardant polyester resins, often used with antimony trioxide. For translucency, colloidal antimony pentoxide is preferred. Brominated diols are occasionally used. In the vinyl ester group, the adducts of acrylic or methacrylic acid with the diglycidyl ether of tetrabromobisphenol A are prodominant, and the styrene-cured resins often have advantageous physical properties and hydrolytic stability. Low styrene versions have air pollution advantages. Hydrated mineral fillers, notably ATH, are widely used at high loadings. ATH tend to reduce smoke, as does use of MMA instead of styrene. Oligourethane unsaturated resins, cured with MMA, also favor low smoke. Triethyl phosphate and dimethyl methylphosphonate enable viscosity reduction and enhance flame retardancy. Red phosphorus, ammonium polyphosphate and a char-forming organophosphate have also found niches. Phosphoruscontaining reactives have been largely unsuccessful. In situ melamine phosphate shows promise. Protective veils offer an alternative to flame retarding the resin itself.

The synthesis of 9–10 Dibromo stearic acid glycidyl methacrylate and its use in vinyl ester resins

“…For translucency, colloidal antimony pentoxide is preferred. 5 Currently, bromine-containing fire retardants have the highest market share among the major families of fire retardants in US. 4 Although smoke toxicity is suspected to be associated with the use of halogenated chemicals, debates on this issue still continue, and brominated chemicals maintain their position as effective fire retardants in the plastics industry.…”

“…Triethyl phosphate and dimethyl methyl phosphonate both enhance flame retardancy and enable viscosity reduction. 5 Among the silicon based systems, polyhedral oligomeric silesquioxanes (POSS) are new generation materials that can be used as flame retardants in thermosetting resins. 6 These materials, which are chemically modified particles of silica, have dimensions at the nanometer scale.…”

“…Tetra-bromo phthalic anhydride and dibromo neopentyl glycol are the most commonly used monomers in fire resistant UPE formulations. 4,5 Other than the halogenated chemicals, phosphorus-based chemicals and silicon-based flame retardants are also commonly used. Triethyl phosphate and dimethyl methyl phosphonate both enhance flame retardancy and enable viscosity reduction.…”

Properties and performance of fire resistant eco-composites using polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) fire retardants

“…When they do ignite, polymers are very flammable and produce toxic gases, soot, and smoke, which are a health and environmental impediment to their full implementation in numerous engineering designs. Fire retardants, including halogenated organics (brominated or chlorinated), phosphorous-based chemicals, nitrogen-based chemicals, and inorganic hydroxides and oxides, are added to polymers and polymer matrix composites to reduce flammability, arrest flame spread and the production of gaseous and combustible vapors and contaminants [3,4].…”

Grafted 2‐chloroethylphosphonic acid on inorganic supports used as flame retardant for unsaturated polyester resins

“…In a recent paper Weil and Levchik [16] reviewed these compounds. Chlorendic acid-based and tetrabromophthalate polyesters are major FR polyester resins, often used with antimony trioxide.…”