End group capturing in polyurea elastomer by using aromatic dianhydrides for flame retardance

Polyurea (PU) elastomers have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their exceptional blast mitigation, ballistic protection, and wear resistance properties. However, their applications as protective materials are often limited as a result of their high flammability. In this study, aromatic dianhydrides (ArDAs) were employed to capture the thermal decomposing products of PU during combustion and facilitate the generation of highly heat-resistant aromatic polyimides (i.e., end group capturing effect), thus enhancing the material's char-forming ability and improving its flame retardancy. The ArDAs were found to significantly reduce the peak heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release (THR), total smoke release (TSR), and total CO release (TCO) of PU, and meanwhile increased the amount of char residue. At 20 wt% content of 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA), PHRR, THR, TSR and TCO of PU were reduced by 70.6%, 32.5%, 44.7% and 58.8%, respectively, the char residue was increased by 405%, and the mechanical properties of PU were well maintained (88.5% tensile strength and 91.0% elongation at break of pure PU). These findings demonstrate that ArDAs could serve as a new kind of halogen/phosphorus-free flame retardant for PU elastomers.