Thermal Decomposition Temperature Research Articles

Comparative study of the kinetic behaviors and properties of aromatic and aliphatic bismaleimides

In this paper, three aromatic bismaleimides (BMI-70, BMI-DE and BMI-80) and two aliphatic bismaleimides (BMI-DDA and BMI-C36) were synthesized. The structures were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra. Their polymerization behaviors were discussed by non-isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The thermal and dielectric properties of the poly(bismaleimide) were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic thermo-mechanical analysis (DMA), and an impedance analyzer. The results indicate that the aliphatic bismaleimides exhibit lower apparent activation energies and dielectric properties, with BMI-DDA displaying an average activation energy of 105.5 kJ mol−1 and the dielectric constant of P(BMI-C36) is 2.558 @ 10 MHz. The aromatic polybismaleimides possessed better thermal stability, among which, the 5 % thermal decomposition temperature (Td,5) of P(BMI-70) was 513.5 °C, and the residual carbon rate at 800 °C was 44.6 %. In additional, water absorption was studied and their saturated water absorption was less than 4 %.

Effect of sodium 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropanesulfonate on the structure and properties of thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers

AbstractThermoplastic poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with water‐soluble behavior has received great attention. In this work, a thermoplastic PVA was prepared via solution radical polymerization of vinyl acetate, vinyl pivalate and sodium 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl propane sulfonate (SAMPS). The effects of SAMPS content on the structure and properties of modified poly(vinyl alcohol) (MPVA) were investigated. On increasing the proportion of SAMPS, the characteristic band of –OH moved to a larger wavenumber. Compared to PVA, the melting temperature (Tm) of MPVA decreased from 223.1 to 161.5 °C at 0.03 mol of SAMPS, and the initial thermal decomposition temperature (Td) of MPVA increased from 244.3 to 262.2 °C at 0.05 mol of SAMPS. The crystallinity of the resin reduced from 51.46% to 10.21%. The enlarged difference between Td and Tm ensured the preparation of MPVA by thermal processing. The maximum tensile strength and elastic modulus of the obtained sheets were 137.56 and 2639.32 MPa, respectively. The introduction of SAMPS reduced the alcoholysis degree from 99.03% to 95.80%. The high alcoholysis degree of MPVA meant that it could be dissolved in water at 60 °C. This type of thermoplastic PVA shows a promising application on film and textiles that require water solubility. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Characterization and the physical properties of nano-sized Bi2O3/polymer for energy and high-refractive index applications

The present work focuses on developing nanocomposites for optoelectronics and energy storage devices leveraging the unique physicochemical features of bismuth (III) oxide (Bi2O3) using a polyvinyl pyrrolidone/polyvinyl alcohol matrix (PV(A/P)). Bi2O3 nanofillers (NF) and Bi2O3/PV(A/P) nanocomposite (NC) films were prepared by facile chemical solution approaches. The X-ray (XRD) data and a transmission electron image revealed that the NF exhibits a monoclinic phase, resembling slightly deformed agglomerated spheres. In the FTIR spectrum, different stretching vibrations of Bi-O-Bi bonds were found, along with their complexation and interaction with the reactive groups in the matrix. The SEM revealed a uniform distribution of Bi2O3 NF loading up to 1.5 wt% on the sample’s surface. Thermal analyses (TGA and DSC thermograms) were used to study the thermal stability, melting, and decomposition temperatures of the NC films. The dielectric features were studied under frequencies between 2 × 103 and 8 × 106 Hz and heating from 293 to 393 K. The dielectric constant and energy density were increased with Bi2O3 NF content. This implies that we can utilize the prepared NC for the fabrication of energy storage devices. The influences of the Bi2O3 NF doping level on the transmittance, band gap, Urbach energy, refractive index, conductivity, and other physical parameters were discussed. The modifications induced in the dielectric/optical parameters make the prepared NC films the best candidates for applications requiring a high refractive index, such as optical coatings and integrated photonic devices.

Decreasing the dielectric constant and water uptake of co-polyimide films by introducing bulky spirobifluorene and cross-linked tetrafluorostyrol groups

With the diminishing gap between the internal components of chips, the signal transmission delay poses a substantial threat to chip performance. To enhance the transmission speed of electrical signals, the development of materials with a low dielectric constant (Dk) becomes imperative. Polyimide (PI), categorized as a specialized engineering material, exhibits a high Dk (≥3), posing challenges in meeting the requirements of electronic and communication industries. Consequently, a new diamine monomer named BTVFD, characterized by spirobifluorene and cross-linkable tetrafluorostyrol groups, was synthesized. It was copolymerized with 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4,4′-diamine (TFDB) and 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA) to synthetize cross-linkable polyimides (TBPIs) with different BTVFD content. The cross-linked TBPIs (CL-TBPIs) were obtained by thermal cross-linking reaction. The study results demonstrate the Dk of PIs is significantly reduced through this effective strategy. Notably, CL-TBPI-2 exhibits outstanding comprehensive performance with low Dk (1.88@10 MHz) and dielectric loss (0.00513@10 MHz), low water uptake (0.125 %), high thermal decomposition temperature (5 % weight loss at 553 °C) and glass transition temperature (374 °C), excellent tensile strength (121.8 MPa) and nice transparency and flexibility.

The Nucleated Poly(L-lactic acid): The Role of a Phenylacetic Hydrazide Derivative

The melt-crystallization, cold-crystallization, melting behaviors, thermal stability, and optical properties of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) nucleated by a phenylacetic hydrazide derivative (DAPH) were investigated. The melt-crystallization confirmed DAPH’s heterogeneous nucleation role in improving PLLA’s poor crystallization capability, concurrently DAPH loading, cooling rate and final melting temperature were three key factors affecting PLLA’s melt-crystallization behaviors. The results from cold-crystallization indicated that the addition of DAPH could accelerate PLLA’s cold-crystallization via cold-crystallization peak’s shift toward the lower temperature side as DAPH loading increased. Through analysis of PLLA/DAPH’s multiple melting behaviors after melt-crystallization, it was found that DAPH loading, the previous melt-crystallization and heating rate determined PLLA/DAPH’s melting processes after melt-crystallization; and PLLA/DAPH’s melting processes after isothermal crystallization depended on the previous crystallization temperature. A drop in thermal decomposition temperature for 5 wt.% mass loss suggested that pure PLLA has better thermal stability compared with PLLA/DAPH. Additionally, the introduction of DAPH could not improve PLLA’s transparency, in contrast, the haze of PLLA was increased greatly owing to the existence of DAPH.

Spherical core-shell CL-20@LLM-105 composites with excellent mechanical sensibility obtained by Pickering emulsion

The effect of crystallization conditions on the morphology, particle size and dispersibility of 2,6-diamino-3,5-dinitropyrazine-1-oxide (LLM-105) was investigated by solvent-nonsolvent method, and nano-LLM-105 was successfully prepared and used as a surfactant after modification with stearic acid. A spherical core-shell composites of CL-20@LLM-105 was prepared by Pickering emulsion method. The morphology, crystal structure, and thermal decomposition properties were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffractometry (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) tested for impact and friction sensibility. The results showed that the prepared composites had a particle size of 50–100 μm, a spherical core-shell structure, and nano-LLM-105 was encapsulated on its surface. The peak thermal decomposition temperature of the composites was 252.7 ℃, which was 9.4 ℃ higher than that of the raw material CL-20. Compared with the CL-20/LLM-105 mixture with the same ratio, the characteristic drop height (H50) of the CL-20@LLM-spherical compoe-shell site was increased by 13 cm, and the explosion probability (P) was reduced by 43%. The spherical core-shell composites prepared by this method is characterized by high energy and excellent mechanical sensibility, which is expected to provide new ideas for the design of explosive formulations containing CL-20 and nanoenergy-containing materials in the direction of high safety and high energy.

Preparation of high‐barrier performance paper‐based materials from biomass‐based silicone‐modified acrylic polymer emulsion

Preparation of high‐barrier performance paper‐based materials from biomass‐based silicone‐modified acrylic polymer emulsion

A synthesis of styrene-grafted starch accompanied with reaction condition optimization and microstructural and macroscopic property analysis

Styrene grafting is efficient to alter starch macroscopic property. Nevertheless, reaction mechanism, condition and products structure and properties are blurry. A deep exploration is necessary. Herein, K2S2O8 and styrene were chosen for corn starch modification. Reaction conditions involving K2S2O8 and styrene amounts, temperature and period were explored. Concurrently, microstructural and macroscopic properties of modified starches were explored via FT-IR, XPS, 13C NMR, GPC, XRD, SEM, TGA, DSC, CA and water dispersibility analysis. Main results reveal that K2S2O8 and styrene amounts, temperature and period as 3 and 200 wt%, 50 °C and 3 h is an optimized condition for starch grafting styrene, achieving a grafting yield (GY) as 45.8 wt%. GPC, XPS and 13C NMR analysis certified successful grafting and grafting mainly occurred at C-3 site OH within glucose unit. This variation converted starch crystalline shape transformation from A-typed to V-typed accompanied with crystallinity, thermal-stability and swelling characteristic decrease and surface hydrophobicity elevation. With GY increased from 0 to 45.8 wt% crystallinity decreased from 38.7 to 15.1%, thermal-decomposition temperature decreased by 10 °C, gelatinization temperature and CA increased by 50 °C and 70°, respectively. It seems a small amount styrene grafting can alter starch macroscopic property such as hydrophilicity efficiently, readily to manufacture hydrophobic starch. This hydrophobic starch might have a potential use in plastic industry, enlarging starch use application, meaningful.

Thermo‐mechanical properties and optimization of sodium alginate as a polymer backbone substrate for biosensor application

AbstractThis study was aim to optimize the formulation of the sodium alginate biosensor substrate with incorporation of sodium alginate (1%‐6%(w/v)) as a polymer backbone and glycerol (10–50 wt%) as a plasticizer. The effect of their interaction on film's tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EB) were analyzed via response surface methodology‐central composite design (RSM‐CCD). The optimum parameter of the films for the maximum TS was at 1.90%(w/v) of sodium alginate and 17 wt% of glycerol and for maximum EB was at 4.89%(w/v) of sodium alginate and 49.65 wt% of glycerol. The optimum parameter of the films had revealed the better TS was at lower sodium alginate content and better EB was at higher glycerol content. In terms of thermal stability, the thermal decomposition temperature (Tonset) of sodium alginate decreased with the incorporation of glycerol.

Preparation of nanocellulose-based flexible calcium carbonate to improve filler retention and combustion performance of cigarette paper

The addition of calcium carbonate to cigarette paper can enhance its combustion performance and apparent properties. However, it does come at the cost of reduced paper strength. In this study, a flexible calcium carbonate (FCC) was developed through the in-situ formation of calcium carbonate on nanocellulose surfaces. The incorporation of FCC into cigarette paper offered the potential to improve filler retention and combustion performance while maintaining high paper strength. The results of the study demonstrated that when compared to the addition of 30% precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), the filler retention rate in cigarette paper increased by 31.5% when 30% FCC was used. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that only a minimal number of inorganic particles were observed between the fibers in the FCC-containing paper, indicating appropriate air permeability and fiber-fiber bond strength. Furthermore, when compared to PCC-containing paper, the FCC-containing paper exhibited an 8.8% increase in tensile strength and a 7.5% increase in folding resistance. Additionally, thermogravimetric analysis of the cigarette paper revealed that the incorporation of flexible calcium carbonate effectively lowered the thermal decomposition temperature, leading to a 10.3% increase in the combustion rate of FCC-containing paper. The inclusion of FCC into paper fibers has the potential to enhance air permeability and regulate cigarette burning performance. Consequently, the FCC developed in this study holds promise as a substitute for traditional calcium carbonate fillers in cigarette paper applications.

Development of multifunctional graphene-based nanocomposites with synergistic effects of chemical and physical interactions

In this work, two types of graphene-based polyamide 66 (PA66) nanocomposites were prepared by in-situ polymerization. The effect of the surface functional groups of graphene oxide (GO) and the chemically modified GO (GO-DDA) on the structure and the properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. The nanocomposites achieved excellent enhancement in the properties. Compared to PA66/GO nanocomposites, PA66/GO-DDA nanocomposite showed higher Young’s modulus, tensile strength and thermal decomposition temperature at all the filler content. For example, at the filler content of 0.3 wt%, PA66/GO-DDA nanocomposite exhibited 92 % increase in the Young’s modulus, while PA66/GO nanocomposite exhibited 42 % increase. The thermal decomposition temperature was improved from 357 °C to 388 °C and to 383 °C by the incorporation of only 0.5 wt% of GO-DDA and GO, respectively. These results indicate the synergy reinforcement effect brought by the chemical interactions and the physical interactions between PA66 and GO-DDA.

Green Synthetic Biomaterials: Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Properties of Lichen-Derived Nanomaterials

The green synthesis of nanoparticles using lichen extracts offers a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods. Known for their medicinal properties, lichens can effectively reduce and stabilise metallic salts, providing an eco-friendly approach to producing nanomaterials with potential antimicrobial applications. In this study, the lichen Rhizoplaca chrysoleuca was utilised in the green synthesis of nanoparticles, successfully creating lichen-derived silver-zinc oxide (Ag-ZnO), silver-strontium oxide (Ag-SrO), and silver-nickel oxide (Ag-NiO) nanoparticles. Ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy revealed that the characteristic light absorption of the NCs occurred within the range of 300–400 nm for each synthesis, and dynamic light scattering measurements indicated that the hydrodynamic diameters of the nanoparticles were below 100 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the constituent elements. Imaging with field-emission scanning electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy showed that the nanoparticles had spherical shapes with dimensions measuring below 50 nm. X-ray diffraction analysis of the synthesised nanocomposite materials revealed the presence of Ag-ZnO (22 nm), Ag-SrO (48 nm), and Ag-NiO (21 nm) nanoparticles. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy identified functional groups in the nanoparticles, confirming their compositions, while thermogravimetric analysis determined the thermal decomposition temperatures of the NCs. The antibacterial efficacy of these materials was assessed, with Ag-ZnO (inhibition zone 11.0 mm) and Ag-NiO (inhibition zone 10.0 mm) showing significant effectiveness against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In contrast, Ag-SrO (inhibition zone 6.5 mm) exhibited comparatively lower antibacterial activity. Additionally, the study highlighted the antifungal properties of Ag-NiO (inhibition zone 19.0 mm) and Ag-ZnO (inhibition zone 8.5 mm) nanomaterials. This research advances the understanding of lichen-based nanotechnology and its potential for developing sustainable antimicrobial solutions.

Preparation and properties of phenolic foam modified with boric acid and organosiloxane by supercritical CO2 technology

AbstractIn this study, a silica boron modified phenolic resin foam (SiBPF) is prepared in a reactor under specific pressure and temperature and using supercritical CO2 (scCO2) as a physical foaming agent, to improve phenolic foam (PF) brittle and friable properties and avoid environmental pollution caused by conventional physical foaming. To determine the partially curing degree for foaming, the influence of partially curing time at partially curing degrees between 39.88% and 53.17% was studied. Further, through an orthogonal experimental method, the optimized foaming process parameters—partially curing time of 6 h, adsorption time of 9 h, foaming pressure of 1 MPa, and foaming temperature of 130°C—were determined. The SiBPF, thus prepared under the optimized conditions, exhibited a density of 0.2356 g/cm3, an average cell size of 86.66 μm, and a cell density of 7.10 × 106 cells/cm3. Its compressive strength was found to be 7.28 MPa, with a specific compressive strength of 30.90 MPa/g·cm−3. At 800°C, the carbon residue rate, thermal decomposition temperature T5%, and Tmax reached 77.61%, 355.21, and 702.70°C, respectively. The thermal conductivity of SiBPF was measured to be 0.0644 W/mK, with the rear temperature stabilizing at 60°C on a hot platform of 100°C.

Preparation of itaconic acid-modified epoxy resins and comparative study on the properties of it and epoxy acrylates

Abstract To investigate the potential applications of bio-based epoxy resins across diverse fields, this study synthesized a bio-based epoxy resin using itaconic acid (EIA) as the precursor material and compared its thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties with those of epoxy acrylate (EA). The findings indicate that the glass transition temperature and the 5% thermal decomposition temperature of the EIA-cured system are higher than those of EA. The breakdown field strength of the EIA-cured system is slightly higher than that of EA (35.58 kV·mm−1), suggesting that EIA exhibits stronger electrical properties compared to EA. Mechanical property tests demonstrate that the tensile strength, elongation at the fracture point, and Shore hardness of the EIA-cured system are superior to those of EA. In conclusion, EIA, serving as a matrix resin, is influenced by cross-linking density and intramolecular ester bonding and exhibits close electrical strength but superior mechanical, thermal, and degradation properties than EA.

Introduction of an N-Amino Group onto 4-(Tetrazol-5-yl)-5-nitro-1,2,3-triazole: A Strategy for Enhancing the Density and Performance of Energetic Materials

Abstract2-Amino-5-nitro-4-(tetrazol-5-yl)-1,2,3-triazole (HANTT), its corresponding energetic salts and a dimeric azo compound are successfully synthesized. Compared to 5-nitro-4-(tetrazol-5-yl)-1,2,3-triazole (H2NTT), the neutral N-amino compound HANTT exhibits excellent properties in many aspects, including a higher density (ρ = 1.86 g cm–3), a better detonation performance (D v = 8931 m s–1, P = 32.2 GPa) and a higher thermal decomposition temperature (T d = 237 °C). Among the prepared materials, the hydroxylammonium energetic salt exhibits the best detonation performance (D v = 9096 m s–1, P = 32.8 GPa) and an acceptable mechanical sensitivity (IS = 12 J, FS = 144 N). HANTT, the energetic salts and the azo compound are fully characterized by infrared spectroscopy, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and differential scanning calorimetry.

A Si-Nb co-alloyed AlCrN coating with good mechanical properties, excellent thermal stability and resistance to high temperature oxidation

The thermal properties of AlCrN coatings influence their application in harsh mechanical environments. This paper introduces a Si-Nb co-alloying strategy to prepare AlCrN-based coatings with good mechanical properties, excellent thermal stability and resistance to high temperature oxidation for developing high-performance tool coatings. The results indicate that, benefiting from the synergistic effect of replacing a portion of Si with an appropriate amount of Nb, Al0.59Cr0.31Si0.06Nb0.04N coating exhibits a fine columnar crystal structure different from the featureless dense structure of Al0.60Cr0.32Si0.08N coating. The different microstructure results in the difference of mechanical properties. Therefore, Al0.59Cr0.31Si0.06Nb0.04N has a higher hardness (32.3 ± 0.8 GPa) than Al0.60Cr0.32Si0.08N (28.8 ± 0.8 GPa). Meanwhile, the Al0.59Cr0.31Si0.06Nb0.04N coating get a better thermal stability and a comparable resistance to high temperature oxidation as Al0.6Cr0.32Si0.08N coating. The temperatures of thermal decomposition and oxidation resistance for Al0.59Cr0.31Si0.06Nb0.04N coating are increased by about 125 °C and 175 °C, respectively, compared with Al0.66Cr0.34N coating. In addition, the Si-Nb co-alloyed coatings maintain a better hardness after annealing.

Robust design of reinforced superhydrophobic FEP-SiO2@PTFE hollow fiber membrane for waste lubricating oils treatment

The shortage of petroleum resources brings the regeneration of used lubricating oils (ULOs) to a major issue, and hence the superhydrophobic membranes attract extensive attention derived from lotus-effect and capillary forces. In this paper, a superhydrophobic FEP-SiO2@PTFE hollow fiber composite membrane (HFCM) based on a facile step-by-step adhesive bonding method with a water contact angle up to 154.1°. The multilayered structure with superhydrophobic separation layer, microporous structure transition layer, and high strength supporting layer could be constructed. The lubricant permeate flux of membrane was as high as 814.5 L·m−2·h−1·bar−1 at 100 °C, with separation efficiencies of 99.3 % and 98.9 % for lubricants containing activated carbon and SiO2, respectively. Meanwhile, the flux of the membrane was stabilized at 430.9 L·m−2·h−1·bar−1 after 200 h of operation, and showed an initial permeation of 680.1 L·m−2·h−1·bar−1 after 5 cycles. Prominent mechanical properties and thermal-resistance (breaking strength of about 165.0 MPa, thermal decomposition temperature was up to 380℃) are another excellent performance of the membrane. As a result, the membrane provided another preferred option for the recycling of heavy oils, such as ULOs, at high temperatures or in various harsh environments.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Properties of Heat-Resistant Energetic Materials Based on C-C Bridged Dinitropyrazole Energetic Materials.

Polycyclic energetic materials make up a distinctive class of conjugated structures that consist of two or more rings. In this work, 1,3-bis(3,5-dinitro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-4,6-dinitrobenzene (BDPD) was synthesized and investigated in detail as a polycyclic heat-resistant energetic molecule that can be deprotonated by bases to obtain its anionic (3-5) salts. All compounds were thoroughly characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, infrared spectroscopy, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. The structural features of BDPD and its salts were investigated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and analyzed by different kinds of computing software, like Multiwfn, Gaussian 09W, and so on. In addition, their thermal decomposition temperatures were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry to be 319.8-329.0 °C, revealing that they possessed high thermal stabilities. The results of impact sensitivity and friction sensitivity analysis confirm that these energetic compounds were insensitive. The detonation properties of neutral compound BDPD and all its nonmetallic salts were calculated by the EXPLO5 v6.05.04 program. The results revealed that their detonation performances were higher than those of the widely used heat-resistant explosive 2,2',4,4',6,6'-hexanitrostilbene (HNS). Combining the above results, it is reasonable to suggest that these compounds have the potential to be heat-resistant energetic materials.

Novel resveratrol-based hyperbranched epoxy resin suitable for comprehensive modification of epoxy resins

Hyperbranched epoxy resins are efficient modifiers for epoxy resins but still require simultaneous improvements in terms of thermomechanical/mechanical properties and thermal stability. Herein, a novel resveratrol-based hyperbranched polyether epoxy resin (HBPEER) was designed for all-purpose epoxy resin modification. To this end, hyperbranched polyether with terminal phenolic hydroxyl groups was first synthesized from commercially available 1,6-dibromohexane (A2-type monomer) and resveratrol (B'B2-type monomer). Surface modification with epichlorohydrin was afterward implemented to produce hyperbranched polyether with terminal epoxy groups (HBPEER). Next, various HBPEER-modified epoxy thermosets were prepared and characterized. The results suggested that compared to the neat diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) thermoset, the 6 wt% HBPEER-modified epoxy thermoset showed an increase in impact strength, elongation at break, critical stress intensity factor (KIC), critical crack propagation energy release rate (GIC), flexural strength, tensile strength, storage modulus, glass transition temperature (Tg), and initial thermal decomposition temperature (Td5%) by 69.6 %, 87.0 %, 32.0 %, 68.2 %, 29.3 %, 37.0 %, 8.1 %, 3.5 %, and 1.6 % respectively. Moreover, the dielectric constant and loss of 6 wt% HBPEER-modified epoxy thermoset decreased by 16.2 % and 16.5 %, respectively. Such comprehensive performance modifications were caused by the combined effects of crosslink density improvement, efficient intramolecular cavity, rigid stilbene units, and flexible aliphatic backbone of HBPEER.

Synthesis of a silicon‐containing cyclotriphosphazene derivative for flame‐retardant modification of epoxy resin

AbstractAlthough epoxy resin (EP) has been widely used in many fields, it is still urgent to effectively improve its flame retardancy by halogen‐free strategies. Herein, a silicon‐containing cyclotriphosphazene derivative (HEP‐Si) was synthesized by nucleophilic substitution and silicon–hydrogen addition reaction using eugenol, hexachlorophosphazene and triethylsilane as raw materials. Then it served as a halogen‐free flame retardant for an EP/4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane system, and its performance was compared with that of commercial flame retardant hexaphenoxycyclotriphosphazene (HPP). The results showed that although the initial thermal decomposition temperature (T5%) of the cured products of EP/HEP‐Si was slightly lower than that of pure EP, T5% did not decrease further as the amount of HEP‐Si increased, indicating that good thermal stability was maintained. In addition, the char yield of the cured products of EP/HEP‐Si was significantly increased (more than 20 wt%) compared to that of pure EP. The cured EP with the addition of HPP and HEP‐Si both achieved a V‐0 rating in UL‐94 vertical burning test at 0.5 wt% phosphorus content, while the limiting oxygen index of the EP/HEP‐Si system was higher, reaching 33.2%. From cone calorimetric test results, the peak heat release rate, total heat release and total smoke production of the cured products of EP/HEP‐Si decreased by 61.5%, 37.1% and 26.2%, respectively, compared with that of pure EP. The cured EP/HEP‐Si materials also exhibited good thermomechanical and mechanical properties. Therefore, HEP‐Si is suggested to be a promising P/N/Si‐containing halogen‐free flame retardant for EP. © 2024 Society of Industrial Chemistry.