Thermal degradation and fire behaviour of novel polyurethanes based on phosphate polyols

The development of new polyurethane coatings with enhanced flame retardant properties based on the phosphorylated polyols is explored. The incorporation of phosphorus into the polymer molecular structure took place by reacting polymeric MDI with polyether polyols based on an alkoxylated glycerol phosphate initiator. The structure of the coatings was confirmed by FT-IR spectra. The thermal stability and flame retardant properties of the coatings were characterized using TGA, TGA-MS. LOI test, cone calorimetry, SEM microscopy and EDAX analysis. The results have highlighted the importance of the phosphorus chemical environment and its influence on the thermal degradation and oxidation of the polyol under different atmospheres. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.