Investigation into the effects of intumescent flame retardant addition on flame resistance and harmful emissions of rigid polyurethane foams

Abstract

In this study, an intumescent flame retardant composed of ammonium polyphosphate/pentaerythritol (2/1) was incorporated in rigid polyurethane foams in 5, 10 and 15 wt %. Effects of the intumescent flame retardant additions on the flame resistance and harmful emissions of the foams were investigated by using cone calorimeter tests. It was determined that the flame resistance of the foam was significantly increased with the addition of the intumescent flame retardant Furthermore, smoke, carbon monoxide and nitrogen monoxide emissions causing suffocation and poisoning were decreased in different ratios with the addition of the intumescent flame retardant. The addition of 15 wt % the intumescent flame retardant into rigid pofrurethane foam resulted in approximately 40 % decrease in the total heat released value and reduced the nitrogen monoxide emission to less than 9 ppm. In this content it was concluded that the intumescent flame retardant synthesized in this study can be preferred as an effective flame retardant material for rigid polyurethane foams due to ensuring better enhancement of flame resistance and harmful emissions.