Fire-retardant action of resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate) in PC-ABS blend. II. Reactions in the condensed phase

The thermal decomposition of polycarbonate (PC), PC containing resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate) (RDP), and PC—acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (PC–ABS) blend containing RDP was studied by thermogravimetry. Volatile and solid products of thermal decomposition were collected at different steps of thermal decomposition and characterized either by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry or infrared and chemical analysis. It was found that phosphorus accumulates in the condensed phase. Upon combustion of the fire‐retardant mixture PC–ABS + RDP, accumulation of phosphorus is observed in the charred layer, at the surface of the burning specimens. It is suggested that PC undergoes a Fries‐type rearrangement upon thermal decomposition, and RDP reacts with the formed phenolic groups through a trans‐esterification mechanism. Kinetic analysis of the thermal decomposition of PC containing RDP supports the proposed mechanism. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 71: 1863–1872, 1999