A P/N flame-retardant TBD based on a pyrimidine ring
was devised
and developed by reacting 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine, benzaldehyde,
and 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide to create a
less toxic, low-smoke, and mechanically improved the flame-retardant
epoxy resin (EP). The EP modified using TBD exhibited good transparency,
which was attributed to the outstanding compatibility of TBD with
the EP. With a phosphorus content of only 0.65%, EP/TBD10 passed the
V-0 rating of the UL-94 test, and the limited oxygen index increased
from 27.1% (pure EP) to 38.1%. In the cone calorimetry test (CCT),
the peak heat release rate and the total heat release decreased by
34.9 and 45.7%, respectively, compared to pure EP. In addition, the
modified cured EP exhibited good mechanical properties owing to the
action of rigid groups and the formation of hydrogen bonds, and the
tensile strength and modulus as well as the flexural strength and
modulus of the samples were improved. In the smoke density test, EP/TBD20
received the ratings of HL1 and HL2 in D
s(4) and VOF4, respectively, according to EN45545-2. All
results indicate that TBD is an efficient flame retardant that can
enhance the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of the curing
EP and reduce its smoke density, making it suitable for use in the
rail transportation industry.