Synthesis of cerium phenylphosphonate and its synergistic flame retardant effect with decabromodiphenyl oxide in glass‐fiber reinforced poly(ethylene terephthalate)

A lamellar cerium phenylphosphonate (CeHPP) was synthetized through reflux method and it was combined with decabromodiphenyl oxide (DBDPO) to prepare flame retarded poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) nanocomposites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) showed that CeHPP was a one‐dimensional nanocrystal with the interlamellar distance of 1.57 nm. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that CeHPP had the excellent thermal stability and abundant char residue. Transmission electron micrographs (TEM) revealed that CeHPP dispersed homogenously in both PET and DBDPO phases. CeHPP could form a continuous and compact char layer in PET nanocomposites and had a synergistic effect with DBDPO. The collaboration of 2 wt% CeHPP and 6 wt% DBDPO dramatically improved UL 94 rating (from V‐2 to V‐0) and limiting oxygen index (LOI) value (from 22.9% to 29.1%) for PET. What is more, the mechanical properties were evaluated by tensile tests. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:539–547, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers