Bio-Based Phosphate-Containing Polyester for Improvement of Fire Reaction in Wooden Particleboard

A new phosphate-containing bio-polyester based on glycerol and citric acid was synthesized and evaluated as fire-retardant (FR) in wooden particleboards. Phosphorus pentoxide was used to first introduce phosphate esters in the glycerol followed by esterification with citric acid to produce the bio-polyester. The phosphorylated products were characterized by ATR-FTIR, H-1-NMR and TGA-FTIR. After polyester curing, they were grinded and incorporated in laboratory produced particleboards. The fire reaction performance of the boards was evaluated by cone calorimeter. An increased char residue was produced depending on the phosphorus content and the THR (Total Heat Release), PHRR (Peak of Heat Release Rate) and MAHRE (Maximum Average of the Rate of Heat Emission) were considerably reduced in presence of the FRs. Highlights: Phosphate containing bio-polyester as fire retardant in wooden particle board; Fire performance is improved; Bio-polyester acts in the condensed and gas phases; Additive effectiveness similar to ammonium polyphosphate.

Automated summary

In this study, a new phosphate-containing bio-polyester was synthesized and evaluated as a fire-retardant in wooden particleboards. The bio-polyester was produced through introducing phosphate esters in glycerol using phosphorus pentoxide, followed by esterification with citric acid. The fire performance of the particleboards was improved with increased char residue and reduced heat release rates. The effectiveness of the bio-polyester as an additive was similar to that of ammonium polyphosphate.