Preparation of an organometallic complex based on phosphonitrile and its flame retardant application in epoxy resin

Abstract

An organo-cobalt coordination complex (Co-H4APD), based on phosphonitrile-azacycles, was prepared by hydrothermal method. The flame retardancy, smoke suppression and thermal stability of epoxy (EP) composites were investigate by means of limited oxygen index (LOI), cone calorimeter test (CONE) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The flame retardant modes of action of Co-H4APD in EP were confirmed by experiments, such as thermogravimetry-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (TG-FTIR-GC/MS), exploring condense and gas-phase products after composites pyrolysis or combustion. Results revealed that the introduction of 6 wt.% Co-H4APD increased LOI value to 29.8% and effectively suppressed heat/smoke release of EP composites. The synergistic charring effect of Co-H4APD improved the thermal stability and char-forming ability of composites. The char strength may be well-correlated with gas release for EP/Co-H4APD, conducive to form dense and regularly expanded char layer, with more phosphorus-rich graphitic structures and cross-linking structures catalyzed by cobalt ions. This high-quality char layer was regarded as the most critical side in improving the flame retardant and smoke suppression performance of EP composites. The gas-phase function of Co-H4APD should not be overlooked due to releasing phosphorous-based radicals during pyrolysis, exhibiting flame inhibition effect in gas phase. More efficient interactions between phosphazene and cobalt within one molecule unit of Co-H4APD contributed to its more obvious reduction of the combustion and smoke production than those of the physical mixing system of CoO + H4APD.