Chlorine-Functional Silsesquioxanes (POSS-Cl) as Effective Flame Retardants and Reinforcing Additives for Rigid Polyurethane Foams

Abstract

The subject of the research was the production of silsesquioxane modified rigid polyurethane (PUR) foams (POSS-Cl) with chlorine functional groups (chlorobenzyl, chloropropyl, chlorobenzylethyl) characterized by reduced flammability. The foams were prepared in a one-step additive polymerization reaction of isocyanates with polyols, and the POSS modifier was added to the reaction system in an amount of 2 wt.% polyol. The influence of POSS was analyzed by performing a series of tests, such as determination of the kinetics of foam growth, determination of apparent density, and structure analysis. Compressive strength, three-point bending strength, hardness, and shape stability at reduced and elevated temperatures were tested, and the hydrophobicity of the surface was determined. The most important measurement was the determination of the thermal stability (TGA) and the flammability of the modified systems using a cone calorimeter. The obtained results, after comparing with the results for unmodified foam, showed a large influence of POSS modifiers on the functional properties, especially thermal and fire-retardant, of the obtained PUR-POSS-Cl systems.

Impact of Different Ratios of Lignin Waste and Liquid Glass on the Performance Characteristics of Biopolyurethane Foams

“…Interestingly, the LigW particles increased the cream time of the polyol mixtures. This effect is commonly observed for PUR and bioPUR composites [ 31 , 32 , 33 ].…”

Effect of Microencapsulated Long‐Chain Chlorinated Paraffin on Flame Retardant of Rigid Polyurethane Foam

“…The reason for this slight increase may be due to the implementation of MCP. The initial viscosity of the polyol premix was higher, and the solid filler particles well dispersed in the polyol premix acted as nucleation centers during the nucleation process, resulting in the formation of more small cells [35] . It is worth mentioning that the pore surface of MCP/RPUF remained smooth due to the great dispersion of MCP.…”

Recent Advancements in Flame-Retardant Polyurethane Foams: A Review

“…Furthermore, POSS reduce the amounts of heat, smoke, and CO release and also improve the thermomechanical and electrical properties of polymeric materials. Effects of chlorine-functionalized POSS on flame retardancy and other properties of rigid PU foams were therefore assessed . POSS-incorporated rigid PU foams with irregular pores presented the increased flame retardancy, hydrophobicity, density, and mechanical properties, where the POSS containing Cl-isobutyl group was the most effective.…”