Poly(diallyldimethylammonium) and polyphosphate polyelectrolyte complex as flame retardant for char-forming epoxy resins

The flame retardant poly(diallyldimethylammonium) and polyphosphate polyelectrolyte complex and the curing agent m-Phenylenediamine were blended into diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA)-type epoxy resin to prepare flame-retardant epoxy resin thermosets. The effects of poly(diallyldimethylammonium) and polyphosphate on fire retardancy and thermal degradation behavior of epoxy resins (EP)/poly(diallyldimethylammonium) and polyphosphate composites were tested by Limiting Oxygen Index, UL-94, cone calorimeter tests, and thermogravimetric analysis and compared with pure EP. The results showed that the Limiting Oxygen Index value of EP/poly(diallyldimethylammonium) and polyphosphate composite could reach 31.9%, and UL-94 V-0 rating at 10 wt% poly(diallyldimethylammonium) and polyphosphate loading. Meanwhile the cone calorimetry peak heat release rate and total heat release were reduced up to 55.2% and 21.8%, respectively; smoke production rate and total smoke production were also declined significantly, compared with those of pure epoxy resins. Poly(diallyldimethylammonium) and polyphosphate played a very good flame-retardant effect on epoxy resins.