Flame-retardant materials are used extensively in areas ranging from general construction and textiles to the aerospace and automotive industries. Typically, these industries employ halogenated organic molecules or inorganic phosphates as flame-retardant materials. However, the toxicity of these materials, both to the environment and human health, has become a topic of greater concern. New flame-retardants are needed which are both effective at preventing the ignition and propagation of fire, while being environmentally benign, both in their design and usage. Herein we describe a new mechanochemical synthesis of both covalently phosphorylated polymers and cellulose nanocrystals using phosphorus pentoxide as greener alternatives to traditional flame-retardant materials. Magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to determine the phosphate content and thermal stability of the resulting material, respectively. Initial measurements show phosphate loadings on average of 4700 mmol/kg compared to 1700 mmol/kg as proposed in literature. Preliminary tests also show their feasibility as protective coatings on wood substrates.

Mechanochemical phosphorylation of polymers with solid phosphorylating agents for application as flame retardants

2019 Spring National Meeting

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