Phosphine oxide for reducing flammability of ethylene-vinyl-acetate copolymer

In this work, a phosphorous-containing flame retardant, phenylphosphonate-based compound (EHPP), is synthesized by alcoholysis and hydrazinolysis of phenyl-phosphonic dichloride, which is subsequently introduced to ethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVA) copolymer to improve its flame retardant performance. The resultant compound was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), H-1 NMR, C-13 NMR, and P-31 NMR. The influence of the EHPP on the combustion behaviors of EVA is studied by limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL-94, and cone calorimeter test. The results show that 1 wt% EHPP can reduce peak heat release rate (PHRR) by 40%. Moreover, 2 wt% EHPP can increase LOI from 20.5% to 25.5%. Thermogravimetric analysis/infrared spectrometry (TGA-FTIR) was used to detect the gaseous products of EVA/EHPP to study the gaseous-phase flame retardant mechanism. The EHPP released phosphorus-containing radicals to capture highly active free radicals to improve the flame retardancy of EVA.

Automated summary

A phosphorous-containing flame retardant EHPP was successfully synthesized and introduced to EVA copolymer to improve its flame retardant performance. The addition of EHPP effectively reduced peak heat release rate and increased LOI value, showing promising flame retardant properties in EVA.