Synthesis, characterisation and flame retardance behaviour of poly(ethylene terephthalate) copolymer containing triaryl phosphine oxide

Bis 4-carboxyphenyl phenyl phosphine oxide (BCPPO) was prepared by oxidation of the corresponding dimethyl compound bis (4-methylphenyl) phenyl phosphine sulfide (prepared from the reaction of toluene with dichloro-phenyl phosphine sulfide). Flame resistant PET was prepared with BCPPO as a co-monomer. The resulting copolymers exhibit good fibre-forming properties, improved flame retarding behaviour, high glass transition temperatures and improved thermal stability. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.