Halogen-Free Flame Retardant System for Polymer Foams
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current flame retardant systems for polymers, particularly in foams, face challenges in production efficiency, application properties, and interactions between additives, with a need for improved alternatives to halogenated compounds that are environmentally harmful.
Innovation Solution
A flame retardant system comprising an organic phosphorus compound and an oligo- or polysulfide as a synergist, specifically sulfur compounds of formula (I) and phosphorus compounds of formulas (II) and (III), which are halogen-free and improve the flame retardant properties of polymer foams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If halogenated flame retardants (e.g., HBCD) are used, then flame retardant effect is improved, but environmental harm and bioaccumulation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing halogenated compounds with a synergistic combination of phosphorus compounds (5-80% P content) and sulfur compounds (15-40% S content), achieving effective flame retardancy through altered chemical parameters rather than relying on harmful halogenated substances
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite flame retardant system combining phosphorus compounds and sulfur compounds in specific ratios (1:10 to 10:1 weight ratio), where the synergistic interaction between the two compound types provides enhanced flame protection without the environmental harm of halogenated retardants
2Reliability
If conventional flame retardant systems are used, then flame protection is achieved, but production efficiency and application properties are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes production efficiency by controlling specific parameters: phosphorus content (5-80%), sulfur content (15-40%), and the weight ratio between compounds (1:10 to 10:1), which enables effective flame retardancy at optimized concentrations that improve production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention improves application properties by ensuring homogeneous distribution of the flame retardant system within the polymer matrix, creating local regions with optimized flame protection while maintaining overall material performance and application characteristics
3Reliability
If flame retardant additives are added to polymers, then flame retardancy is improved, but interactions between additives may worsen material properties
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a stable composite flame retardant system where phosphorus and sulfur compounds are combined in specific ratios (1:10 to 10:1), reducing harmful interactions between additives through controlled composition and synergistic compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention stabilizes the composition by optimizing the concentration parameters of each component (phosphorus 5-80%, sulfur 15-40%) and their ratio, minimizing negative additive interactions while maintaining effective flame retardancy
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides enhanced flame retardancy with improved processability and reduced reliance on harmful halogenated compounds, making it suitable for use in styrene polymer foams as an insulating material while maintaining mechanical properties.
Implementation Method 1
a flame retardant system containing a phosphorus compound with a phosphorus content in the range from 5 to 80 % by weight, based on the phosphorus compound, and a sulfur compound with a sulfur content in the range from 15 to 40 % by weight, based on the sulfur compound
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a flame-retardant system comprising: a) at least one sulfur compound of the formula (I), where the definitions of the symbols and indices are as follows: R, being identical or different, preferably identical, is C6-C12-aryl, a 5-10-membered heteroaryl group which comprises one or more heteroatoms from the group of N, O, and S, C1-C18-alkyl, C2-C18-alkenyl, C3-C18-alkynyl, or C3-C10-cycloalkyl; X, being identical or different, preferably identical, is OR2, SR2, NR2R3, COOR2, CONR2, SO2R2, F, Cl, Br, R, H, or a -Y1-P(Y2)pR'R'' group; Y1 is O, S, or NR'''; Y2 is O or S; p is 0 or 1; R' and R'', being identical or different, preferably identical, are C1-C18-alkyl, C2-C18-alkenyl, C2-C18-alkynyl, C6-C12-aryl, C3-C10-cycloalkyl, C6-C12-aryl-C1-C18-alkyl, a heteroaryl group or heteroaryloxy group which comprises one or more heteroatoms from the group of N, O, and S, O-(C1-C18)-alkyl, O-(C2-C18)-alkenyl, O-(C2-C10)-alkynyl, O-(C6-C12)-aryl, O-(C3-C10)-cycloalkyl or (C6-C12)-aryl-(C1-C18)-alkyl-O; R''' is H, C1-C18-alkyl, or (P(Y2)pR'R''); R1, being identical or different, preferably identical, is C1-C18-alkyl, C2-C18-alkenyl, C2-C18-alkynyl, C6-C12-aryl, C3-C10-cycloalkyl, C6-C12-aryl-C1-C18-alkyl, a heteroaryl group which comprises one or more heteroatoms from the group of N, O, and S, O-(C1-C18)-alkyl, O-(C2-C18)-alkenyl, O-(C3-C18)-alkynyl, O-(C6-C12)-aryl, O-(C3-C10)-cycloalkyl, (C6-C12)-aryl-(C1-C18)-alkyl-O, S-(C1-C18)-alkyl, S-(C1-C18)-alkenyl, S-(C2-C18)-alkynyl, S-(C6-C12)-aryl, S-(C3-C10)-cycloalkyl, (C6-C12)-aryl-(C1-C18)-alkyl-S, OH, F, Cl, Br or H; R2 and R3,being identical or different, preferably identical, are H, C1-C18-alkyl, C2-C18-alkenyl, C2-C18-alkynyl, C6-C12-aryl, C3-C10-cycloalkyl, C6-C12-aryl-C1-C18-alkyl, or a heteroaryl group which comprises one or more heteroatoms from the group of N, O, and S; n is an integer from 1 to 8, and m is a number from 1 to 1000; b) at least one halogen-free organophosphorus compound with phosphorus content in the range from 0.5 to 40% by weight, based on the phosphorus compound.