Synthesis of aminophosphonate polyols and polyurethane foams with improved fire retardant properties

ABSTRACT Aminophosphonated polyols with flame retardant properties are synthesized by ring opening polymerization using diethyl‐N,N‐bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) aminomethyl phosphonate (Fyrol‐6) as initiator. The influence of the catalyst type and its concentration on the polymerization rate are studied. The catalyst system formed by potassium methoxide (MeOK) in DMSO as a solvent presents the highest polymerization rate and allows reducing the polydispersity. The thermal resistance of the synthesized polyols is confirmed by the char residues formation. Finally, PU foams are synthesized containing up to a 50 pph of PFyCs[1:1], preserving good cellular structure up to a 25 pph content and improving the fire resistance by increasing the char residue from 7.79 to 22.13 wt % and decreasing the PHRR and the smoke production according to TGA and cone calorimeter tests, respectively. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47780. TGA results of foams with PFyCs(1:1) contents from 0 to 25 pph.