Thermal Decomposition Behavior of the Flame Retardant Melamine in Slabstock Flexible Polyurethane Foams

Abstract

Due to their low density, high surface-to-mass ratio, high air permeability and open cell structure, slabstock polyurethane foams ignite easily and have a high burning velocity. In this study, the decomposition behavior of melamine in both an inert and an oxygen atmosphere has been investigated. TGA/DSC and EGA-IR experiments revealed the decomposition steps and products in inert and oxygen atmospheres, respectively. Cone calorimeter, NIR-flame characterization and small-scale burner test results showed that the excellent working mechanism of melamine as a flame retardant mainly depends on the formation of an effective closed char layer, which may involve condensation of melamine to form melam, melem, and related products as well as reactions of the amino and isocyanato groups forming urea derivatives, and the sublimation of melamine at the exact temperature at which TDI release occurs.

Investigation of fire behavior of rigid polyurethane foams containing fly ash and intumescent flame retardant by using a cone calorimeter

“…The THR values of the samples shown in Figure 4 up to a burn time of 300 s could help to clarify the effects of FA and IFR additions into PUR 73, 74. Obviously FA, IFR, and IFR/FA additions decreased the THR of PUR.…”

Methyl‐DOPO—a new flame retardant for flexible polyurethane foam

“…This can also be explained by the embedding of methyl‐DOPO in the cellular structure. However, these effects are quite low compared to the influence of particular FRs such as melamine, TCPP, ATH,30, 31 SiO 2 ,32 or aluminum33 indicating the very good compatibility of methyl‐DOPO with the flexible PU foam.…”

Synergistic effects of hydroxides and dimethyl methylphosphonate on rigid halogen‐free and flame‐retarding polyurethane foams

“…Owing to emission of toxic and dense smoke, the use of halogen flame retardants is limited. As a result, halogen‐free flame retardants such as ammonium polyphosphate,2–4 expandable graphite,5–10 and melamine11–15 are used in the flexible polyurethane foams. In fact, inorganic hydroxide fillers have replaced halogen flame retardants in many plastic applications due to benefits such as low cost as well as minimal corrosiveness relative to the antimony‐halogen systems and phosphorus‐containing fire retardants.…”