Effect of tris(1-chloro-2-propyl)phosphate in combination with aluminum hypophosphite and melamine polyphosphate on flame retardancy and thermal decomposition of rigid polyurethane foams

RPUF with tris(1-chloro-2-propyl)phosphate (TCPP), melamine polyphosphate (MPP) and aluminum hypophosphite (AHP) alone, as well as their binary and ternary blends, were prepared via a one-step process. The effect of TCPP in combination with AHP and MPP on flame retardancy and thermal decomposition in the RPUF has been investigated. The results show that adding TCPP, MPP and AHP into RPUF simultaneously can significantly ensure the uniform cell structure, enhance the compressive strength, thermal stability and fire resistance of RPUF, decrease the thermal conductivity, the release of toxic HCN at high temperature. TGA results indicate that partial substitution of TCPP with MPP and AHP could improve the char residue. When the content of TCPP is 10 wt%, the optimal ratio of MPP and DPER was 1/2, the TCPP10/MPP3.3/AHP6.7/RPUF sample reached a V1 rating in vertical UL-94 test with a limiting oxygen index of 27.4%. The compressive strength and specific compressive strength (compressive strength/density) for TCPP10/MPP3.3/AHP6.7/RPUF sample increased about 82.6% and 44.3% compared to that of pure RPUF, respectively. The cone calorimeter test results showed that adding EG, MPP and AHP into RPUF simultaneously can significantly decrease the heat release rate (HRR), total heat release (THR) and smoke emission behavior of RPUF sample. Based on these facts, a potential flame-retardant mechanism was proposed.