Microscale Combustion Colorimeter Research Articles

Composite Flame Retardants Based on Conjugated Microporous Polymer Hollow Nanospheres with Excellent Flame Retardancy.

The development of polymer materials with excellent flame retardancy has been paid increasing attention for their valuable applications in saving energy in modern architecture. Herein, conjugated microporous polymers hollow nanospheres (CMPs-HNS) were prepared by Sonogashira-Hagihara cross-coupling reaction with 1,3,5-triacetylenebenzene, 3-amino-2,6-dibromopyridine, and 2,4,6-tribromoaniline as building blocks using SiO2 nanoparticles as hard templates. To enhance the flame-retardant performance of the CMPs-HNS, antimony pentoxide solution (Sb2O5) and bisphenol A-bis (diphenyl phosphate) (BDP) were coated onto the as-prepared CMP-HNS (CMPs-HNS-BSb) by a simple immersion method. The peak heat release (pHRR) from microscale combustion colorimeter (MCC) of CMPs-HNS-BSb was 76.5 and 73.05 W g-1, respectively. By introducing CMPs-HNS-BSb into the epoxy resin (EP) matrix, the CMP2-HNS-BSb/EP (0.5) composites show that the pHRR values were 809.3 and 645.2 kW m-2, reduced by 21% as measured by conical calorimetry (CC), and total heat release (THR) reduced by 29.7%, going from 101 to 70.8 MJ/m2 when compared to the pure sample. Besides, total smoke production (TSP) reduced about 23.7%. The hollow structure can enhance the thermal insulation performance. As measured, the thermal conductivity of CMP1-HNS-BSb and CMP2-HNS-BSb is 0.044 and 0.048 W m-1 K-1. Based on the advantages of simple manufacture, superior thermal insulation, and flame retardancy, our CMPs-HNS-BSb/EP composites may find useful applications in various aspects such as building energy saving in future development.

Application of Silver-Loaded Halloysite Nanotubes in Flame Retardant and Smoke-Suppressive Coating for Polyester-Cotton Fabric.

Despite the wide applications in clothing, furniture, and transportation, the well-known "scaffolding effect" in polyester-cotton fabric has caused significant fire hazards compared to sole polyester or cotton fabrics. Therefore, it is of practical significance to endow polyester-cotton fabric with excellent fire safety. In this work, an organic-inorganic composite coating comprising nitrogen-phosphorus-silicon-containing flame retardant and silver nanoparticle-loaded halloysite nanotubes (Ag@HNTs) was designed and prepared to improve the fire safety of polyester-cotton fabrics. Microscale combustion colorimeter results indicated that the peak heat release rate of the modified polyester-cotton fabric with such a composite coating was reduced by 47%. Meanwhile, it could self-extinguish in 9 s after being ignited, and the limiting oxygen index was up to 25%, indicating excellent fire safety. In addition, the total smoke release of the coated polyester-cotton fabric was reduced by 21%, illustrating that the coating of Ag@HNTs could eliminate the smoke generated. The treated fabric also exhibited superior water resistance. Flame retardant mechanisms were well investigated using thermogravimetric analysis-infrared spectrometry analysis and chemiluminescence by studying the gaseous degradation products and hydroxyl radical in the gas phase. This work provides an effective approach to fabricating high-performance flame retardant and smoke-suppressive coatings for textiles.

Construction of a flame retardant polyurethane elastomer with degradability, high mechanical strength and shape memory

In order to promote the application scene of polyurethane (PU) elastomers, the low degradability and poor fire safety are the key problems that need to be solved urgently. In this work, the polyurethane elastomers (PCL-HDI-THPOx) with flame retardant and degradable groups were synthesized. In the Microscale combustion colorimeter (MCC) test, the Total Heat Release (THR) and peak of Heat Release Rate (pHRR) of were decreased by 24% and 26%, respectively. Due to the enhancement of the internal crosslinking network density of the elastomer by THPO, the tensile strength and toughness increased by 450% and 117%, respectively. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) results showed the glass transition temperature (Tg) was between 30 °C and 40 °C, showing good shape memory properties. Surprisingly, the novel elastomer completely degraded in ethanol at 60 °C. Its excellent comprehensive performance will be welcomed in the fields of wearable electronic devices and load-bearing materials.

Flame retardancy and thermal decomposition behavior of TPU/chitosan composites

The application of chitosan (CS) in new materials is a hot research topic. In this paper, CS was used alone as flame retardant to prepare thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU) composites. Then, the flame retardancy and thermal decomposition behavior of TPU/CS composites were intensively investigated using cone calorimeter test (CCT), scanning electron microscope (SEM), microscale combustion colorimeter (MCC) test, thermogravimetric analysis/infrared spectrometry (TG‐IR), and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The results showed that CS can reduce the fire risk of TPU; 2.0‐wt% CS could make the peak value of heat release rate (pHRR) decreased to 457.2 kW/m2, reduced by 65.9% compared with TPU. And the peak value of smoke production rate (pSPR) and total smoke release (TSR) of the same sample was decreased by 79.4% and 54.2%, respectively. The TG‐IR and GC‐MS results confirmed that CS could promote TPU decomposition in advance, reacting with the decomposition products of TPU. Therefore, the production of combustible gas was reduced. The GC‐MS results showed that the production of isocyanates and ethers was reduced with the addition of CS. The digital photographs of SEM for the samples after CCT were shown that the char residue layer of the sample containing 2.0‐wt% CS was fibrous in shape. It could be speculated that the thermal decomposition products from TPU could react with CS at low temperature, which reduced the production of flammable gases. So CS had a good prospect in reducing the fire hazard for TPU.

Fire‐safe agent integrated with oyster shell and melamine polyphosphate for thermoplastic polyurethane

At present, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is widely used, but there are still many defects in fire safety, such as burning with heavy smoke and dripping. In this article, OS@MP was synthesized by modifying oyster shell (OS) powder with melamine polyphosphate (MP) and then served as fire‐safe agent for TPU. The fire performance of TPU composites were investigated using microscale combustion colorimeter (MCC), cone calorimeter test (CCT), smoke density test (SDT), and thermogravimetric analysis/Fourier transform infrared (TG‐FTIR) spectrum analysis. The MCC and CCT results revealed that OS@MP could reduce the fire hazards of TPU composites. The peak heat release rate (pHRR) of the sample with 10.0 wt% OS@MP decreased to 170.86 kW/m2 from 1772.37 kW/m2 for pure TPU. And, the SDT results showed that OS@MP could significantly reduce the smoke production of TPU composites. The TG‐FTIR also confirmed that the noncombustible gases (including CO2, ammonia, and water vapor) produced by OS@MP have played a reinforcing role in TPU composites as well as a char formed on the surface of composites, which could act as a barrier to prevent the heat and air, reinforce the fire safety of TPU.

Preparation of phosphorus‐containing phenolic resin and its application in epoxy resin as a curing agent and flame retardant

For the sake of improving the flame retardancy of epoxy resin (EP), a novel phosphorus‐containing phenolic resin (PPR) synthesized in our group instead of conventional phenolic resin (PR) was used to cure EP in the present research. The curing processes and the corresponding crosslinking structure and mechanical performance were investigated by differential scanning calorimeter and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Because of the introduction of flame‐retarding elements including P and Si, PPR exhibited higher charring capacity in the condensed phase, which is helpful to construct a char layer of higher quality. Correspondingly, PPR‐cured EP displayed remarkably improved flame retardance as compared to conventional PR‐cured EP through the related evaluations including limiting oxygen index, vertical burning test, and microscale combustion colorimeter. As a multifunction agent, it is believable that PPR possesses potential commercial value to prepare flame‐retardant EP with high performance.

Synergistic fire safety effect between nano-CuO and ammonium polyphosphate in thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer

This article mainly studied the synergistic fire safety effect between nano-CuO and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) in thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU). The TPU composites were prepared by molten blending method. And the fire safety of all TPU composites was investigated by LOI test, cone calorimeter test (CCT), microscale combustion colorimeter (MCC) and smoke density test (SDT), respectively. The LOI test showed that nano-CuO could further improve the flame retardancy of TPU. The CCT results showed that there was a remarkably synergistic fire safety effect between APP and nano-CuO in TPU. Remarkably, the total heat release and total smoke release for the sample with 0.5 mass% content of nano-CuO decreased by at least 13.0 and 51.1% compared with the sample containing only APP, respectively. And the residual carbon mass of the samples containing nano-CuO was more than that of the sample with only APP at the end of the test. The MCC results showed that the HRR values of the samples containing nano-CuO were further lower than that of the sample containing APP. The SDT results showed that the luminous flux values of the samples containing nano-CuO were higher than that of the sample with only APP irrespective of with flame or without flame, which indicated that there was an apparently synergistic effect of smoke suppression between APP and nano-CuO in TPU. Through the analysis of the results of this experiment, it will make a great influence on the study of the nanomaterials in the aspect of fire safety of polymer.

PREPARATION AND PROPERTIES STUDIES OF HALOGEN-FREE FLAME RETARDANT STYRENE–BUTADIENE RUBBER BASED ON APP AND PUMAPP

ABSTRACT Microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate with polyurethane resin (PUMAPP) was prepared by in situ polymerization and was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The particle's water solubility was decreased through the microencapsulation of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) with the polyurethane resin. The flame retardation of APP/pentaerythritol (PER) and PUMAPP/PER flame retarded styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) composites was studied using limiting oxygen index and UL-94 tests, and the thermal stability was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis and microscale combustion colorimeter. Results demonstrated that the flame retardancy of the SBR/PUMAPP/PER composites was better than that of the SBR/APP/PER composites at the same additive loading. The water-resistant properties of the SBR composites containing PUMAPP and APP were also studied. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry were used to analyze the morphological structure and the component of the residue chars formed from the SBR composites accordingly, and the mechanical properties of the materials were also studied.

Fire safety improvement of para-aramid fiber in thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer

This article mainly studied fire safety effects of para-aramid fiber (AF) in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The TPU/AF composites were prepared by molten blending method, and then the fire safety effects of all TPU composites were tested using cone calorimeter test (CCT), microscale combustion colorimeter test (MCC), smoke density test (SDT), and thermogravimetric/fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-IR). The CCT test showed that AF could improve the fire safety of TPU. Remarkably, the peak value of heat release rate (pHRR) and the peak value of smoke production rate (pSPR) for the sample with 1.0wt% content of AF were decreased by 52.0% and 40.5% compared with pure TPU, respectively. The MCC test showed that the HRR value of AF-2 decreased by 27.6% compared with pure TPU. TG test showed that AF promoted the char formation in the degradation process of TPU; as a result the residual carbon was increased. The TG-IR test revealed that AF had increased the thermal stability of TPU at the beginning and reduced the release of CO2 with the decomposition going on. Through the analysis of the results of this experiment, it will make a great influence on the study of the para-aramid fiber in the aspect of fire safety of polymer.

Novel DOPO-based epoxy curing agents

A series of DOPO-based curing agents with similar structures were prepared through Mannich-type reaction and characterized. The curing agents with weak electron-donating methylene groups, strong electron-withdrawing sulfonyl groups and strong electron-donating ether groups were then incorporated into epoxy resins, and the structure–property relationships of the curing agents on the fire safety of epoxy resins were investigated. Thermal and flame-retardant properties of the resins were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, cone calorimeter, microscale combustion colorimeter, UL-94 and limiting oxygen index. The results showed that the curing agents with proper structure could impart epoxy resins with high thermal stabilities and low flammability. The curing agents containing ether groups exhibited better flame-retardant efficiency compared with other curing agents. In order to further investigate the mechanism, the char residues of the resins were studied by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy. Char residues of the resins containing ether groups exhibited a condense char morphology, associated with a high degree of graphitization. This work not only provides novel epoxy resins with good thermal stability, but also will trigger more scientific interest in the development and investigation of the structure–property relationships of the DOPO-based flame retardants.

Molybdenum disulfide nanosheets as barrier enhancing nanofillers in thermal decomposition of polypropylene composites

A novel method of preparing the molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets coated by polypropylene (PP) latex enables the fabrication of PP/MoS2 nanocomposites in scalable quantities. PP nanocomposites with various contents of MoS2 nanosheets were prepared by simply melt-blending the coated MoS2 and PP materials. The barrier effect of MoS2 nanosheets in the thermal decomposition process of PP materials was investigated under different atmosphere by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), microscale combustion colorimeter (MCC) and thermogravimetric analysis–infrared spectrometry (TG–IR). Importantly, the peak heat release rate (PHRR) of PP/MoS2 nanocomposites with MoS2 loadings of 1.6wt% is decreased by 28.1% compared to that of neat PP. Moreover, the thermal oxidative stability of PP is dramatically reinforced with the incorporation of MoS2 nanosheets. A 41.3°C increase in the temperature of the onset of degradation (T−10%) and a 40.1°C increase in the temperature of maximum weight loss (Tmax) were observed by inclusion of as low as 1.6wt% MoS2 nanosheets. The excellent barrier performance together with the favorable compatibility of MoS2 nanosheets is regarded as the key point for the reinforcement of thermal oxidative stability and reduction of flammable pyrolysis gas, which can provide promising applications in the development of fire safety polymer materials.

Preparation and properties of epoxy resin/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane hybrid materials

Epoxy resin (EP)/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) hybrids were prepared based on diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A and octapropylglycidylether POSS (OGPOSS). The morphology of EP/OGPOSS hybrids was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis indicated that the glass transition temperature (T g) of the hybrids decreased with the increase of OGPOSS content. This phenomenon was ascribed to the increased free volume with the addition of bulky OGPOSS. Additionally, thermogravimetric analysis indicated that all the epoxy hybrids displayed similar degradation profiles, suggesting that OGPOSS did not change the mechanism of EP. The incorporation of OGPOSS into EP matrix produced high char yields at high temperatures, suggesting improved flame retardancy. Microscale combustion colorimeter tests showed that incorporation of OGPOSS into epoxy thermosets could significantly improve the flame retardancy. The increasing OGPOSS content into EP matrix exhibited a decreasing trend in the values of dielectric constant compared with those of neat EP.

The synergistic effect of functionalized montmorillonite with intumescent flame retardant in EVA

An intumescent flame retardant (IFR), a Schiff-base polyphosphate ester (PAB)-functionalized montmorillonite (PAB-MMT) was combined with PAB to adopt into ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) by melting intercalation. The synergistic effect between PAB-MMT and PAB was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL-94), microscale combustion colorimeter (MCC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that when 5.0 wt% PAB-MMT replaced the same amounts of Na-MMT in the composite, the flame retardancy of EVA/PAB composite was improved. For this composite, the LOI value was increased and the ignition time in UL-94 rating was shortened compared to pure EVA or composites containing PAB or Na-MMT/PAB. The MCC results indicated that the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) were significantly reduced in comparison with other EVA nanocomposites. Meanwhile, the TGA data showed that the EVA/PAB/PAB-MMT nanocomposite had higher char residue than the EVA/PAB and EVA/PAB/Na-MMT nanocomposites. The TEM and dispersibility measurement results showed that PAB-MMT had better dispersion than Na-MMT. The SEM results demonstrated that the minimal loading levels of PAB-MMT in EVA/PAB/PAB-MMT composite had a well-structured and strong char which had better ability to endure heat erosion. A good synergistic effect between PAB-MMT and PAB was constructed.

Combination of montmorillonite and a Schiff-base polyphosphate ester to improve the flame retardancy of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer

Abstract Different flame retardant ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) formulations were prepared to evaluate the synergistic effect between organo-montmorillonite (OMMT) and a Schiff-base polyphosphate ester (PAB) on the combustion behavior of EVA. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results revealed that montmorillonite platelets selectively dispersed in the PAB phase. EVA/PAB/OMMT(80/15/5) had better thermal stability and flame retardancy than EVA/PAB(80/20), as indicated by the results of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), limited oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL-94) and microscale combustion colorimeter (MCC), showing a synergism between OMMT and PAB. For example, the onset decomposition temperature (T 5%) increased from 233°C to 296°C, the char residue at 600°C increased from 6.6% to 11.0%, and the peak heat release rate (PHRR) decreased from 718.1 W/g to 706.6 W/g. This is caused by the silicoaluminophosphate (SAPO) structure formed by reactions between the phosphoric acid generated from PAB and OMMT.

In situ synthesis, morphology, and fundamental properties of polymer/MoS2 nanocomposites

Abstract As a graphene-like layered nanomaterial, molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) had gained enormous attention from the materials fields. In this work, MoS 2 nanosheets were firstly modified by cation surfactant with long alkyl chain (CTAB) and then the modified MoS 2 nanosheets (CTAB-MoS 2 ) were incorporated into polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrices via in situ polymerization method. The structure, thermal stability and fire resistance properties of the PS and PMMA/CTAB-MoS 2 nanocomposites were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Microscale combustion colorimeter (MCC) and Cone test, respectively. The modified MoS 2 nanosheets were dispersed well in the PS matrix with intercalated structure as indicated by XRD pattern and TEM techniques. The introduction of MoS 2 into the polymer matrix such as PS and PMMA can markedly improve its thermal properties and reduce the fire hazards. With the addition of 3 wt% CTAB-MoS 2 , T − 50% and T − max of the PS nanocomposites were increased by 48 and 46 °C, respectively. The peak of heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) values of the PS/5% CTAB-MoS 2 nanocomposites decreased by 40% and 27% respectively compared with that of the pure PS. For the PMMA nanocomposites with 1% CTAB-MoS 2 , the T − 5% and T − 10% increased by 35 and 53 °C compared to that of neat PMMA. Meanwhile, the PHRR and THR were decreased by 25% and 20%, respectively. The method used in this research work provided a novel route to other MoS 2 -based polymer nanocomposites with excellent performances.

Synthesis of novel poly(aminophosphonate ester)s flame retardants and their applications in EVA copolymer

Novel oligomeric intumescent flame retardants, poly(amino phosphonate ester)s (PAPEs), containing both phosphorous and nitrogen, were synthesized by reacting diethyl phosphite with two different polyschiff bases obtained from the reaction of diamines with dialdehyde. The target PAPEs (designated as PAPE‐d and PAPE‐e, respectively) were characterized by 1H NMR, 31P NMR, Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, gel permeation chromatography and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. Thermal stability and flammability of ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)/PAPE blends with various PAPE content were investigated by TGA, limited oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL‐94) and microscale combustion colorimeter (MCC). The results indicate that PAPEs effectively improve the flame retardancy of EVA. The EVA/30%PAPE‐e blend has a LOI value of 28, and its peak heat release rate (PHRR) value in MCC measurement is reduced by 36%. At the same time, the EVA/PAPE blends also have high yield of residual char, indicating that PAPEs are effective charring agents. Scanning electron microscopy observations of the residues of the EVA/PAPE blends show the existence of compact char layer on the surface of the residues, which is responsible for the improvement of the flame retardancy of EVA. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

DESIGN, SYNTHESIS, AND APPLICATION OF NOVEL FLAME RETARDANTS DERIVED FROM BIOMASS

Biomass represents an abundant and relatively low cost carbon resource that can be utilized to produce platform chemicals such as levulinic acid. Novel oligomeric flame retardants, the poly(MDP-PDCP-MA)s (PMPMs), were designed and synthesized using diphenolic acid as one of the raw materials, which is derived from levulinic acid. To change the molar ratio of reactants, a series of PMPM samples with different nitrogen contents were obtained and characterized by FTIR and solid-state 13C NMR spectroscopy. The solubility test and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated a good solvent-resistant property and thermal stability. The flame retardancy and thermal behavior of ABS with 30% loading of different PMPM samples were investigated by limiting oxygen index test (LOI), TGA, and microscale combustion colorimeter (MCC). The results showed that PMPMs are effective charring agents that can increase the thermal stability and flame retardancy of ABS. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations of the residue of ABS/PMPM blends indicated the compact charred layer formed was responsible for improving the thermal stability and char yield of ABS with low nitrogen content in PMPM-1 flame retardant.

Functionalization of Cotton with UV-Cured Flame Retardant Coatings

A novel phosphorus monomer (PDHA) was synthesized and incorporated onto the surface of cotton fabric via UV-induced graft polymerization to improve flame retardancy and thermal stability. The structure of PDHA was characterized by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), 31P NMR, and Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) and the grafting processes were followed by IR (ATR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thermal stability and flame retardancy of the treated fabrics were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), thermogravimetric analysis/infrared spectrometry (TGA-IR), and microscale combustion colorimeter (MCC). Test performed on real time FTIR analysis for treated cotton showed that the coatings containing phosphorus could catalyze the dehydration and char formation of cotton textiles at a lower temperature. The enhanced flame retardant action may be caused by the thermal decomposition of phosphate acrylate producing acidic intermediates, which could react with fabrics to ...

Radiation Cured Epoxy Acrylate Composites Based on Graphene, Graphite Oxide and Functionalized Graphite Oxide with Enhanced Properties

Epoxy acrylate (EA) composites containing graphite oxide (GO), graphene and nitrogen-double bond functionalized graphite oxide (FGO) were fabricated using UV-radiation and electron beam radiation via in-situ polymerization. Graphene and FGO were homogenously dispersed in EA matrix and enhanced properties, including thermal stability, flame retardancy, electrical conductivity and reduced deleterious gas releasing in thermo decomposition were obtained. Microscale combustion colorimeter results illustrated improved flame retardancy; EA/FGO composites achieved a 29.7% reduction in total heat release (THR) when containing only 0.1% FGO and a 38.6% reduction in peak-heat release rate (PHRR) when containing 3% FGO. The onset decomposition temperatures were delayed and the maximum decomposition values were reduced, according to thermogravimetric analysis which indicated enhanced thermal stabilities. The electrical conductivity was increased by 6 orders of magnitude (3% graphene) and the deleterious gas released during the thermo decomposition was reduced with the addition of all the graphite samples. This study represented a new approach to functionalize GO with flame retardant elements and active curable double bond to achieve better dispersion of GO into polymer matrix to obtain nanocomposites and paved a way for achieving graphene-based materials with high-performance of graphene in enhancement of flame retardancy of polymers for practical applications.

Thermal degradation and combustion of a novel UV curable coating containing phosphorus

A novel phosphorus monomer (BDEEP) has been synthesized by allowing phosphorus oxychloride to react with 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) and 1,4-Butane diol. Its structure was characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1H NMR). The UV-curing behavior was investigated by FTIR. The combustibility was examined by microscale combustion colorimeter (MCC). The heat release rate (HRR) and heat release capacity (HRC) are 42.1 w/g and 44.0 J/g K, respectively. The thermal degradation was characterized using thermogravimetric analysis/infrared spectrometry (TG-IR). The curve of TGA indicates that there are three characteristic degradation temperature stages for the cured film, which was further characterized by real time Fourier transform infrared (RTFTIR) measurement. It is proposed that the flame retardant action results from decomposition of phosphate to form poly(phosphoric acid), which catalyses the breakage of bonds adjacent to carbonyl groups to form the char, preventing the sample from burning further. The volatilized products formed on thermal degradation of BDEEP indicated that the volatilized products are CO, CO 2, water, alkane, carbonyl, phosphorus compounds and aromatic compounds according to the temperature of onset formation.