Phosphorus-containing polyaryloxydiphenylsilanes with high flame retardance arising from a phosphorus-silicon synergistic effect

Polyaryloxydiphenylsilanes were prepared from phosphorus-containing diols and diphenydichlorolsilane through solution polymerization. With a stoichiometric imbalance in feed monomers, the resulting polymers exhibited moderate melting points and good processing properties. The polymers prepared showed initial decomposition temperatures above 340degreesC, excellent thermal stability, high char yields at 850degreesC and very high limited oxygen index values of 56-59. The polymers' char yields and their (P + Si) contents showed linear relationships. (C) 2003 Society of Chemical Industry.