Comparative evaluation of flame retardant performance in rigid polyurethane foams: TCPP, TDCP MP, and ATH as promising additives

The high flammability of rigid polyurethane foams has limited emerging applications (sensors, space travel, and others). Enhancing the mechanical, thermal, and flame-retardant properties of RPUF is an important theme in flame retardant science and technology. This study compares the fire performance of polyurethane foams (PUF) containing four different flame retardants: tris (2-chloro-1-methylethyl) phosphate (TCPP), tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCP), melamine phosphate (MP), and aluminum trihydrate (ATH). The flame retardants were added at 10% and 20% rates, and the resulting PUFs were characterized for their morphological, mechanical, and thermal properties using various analytical techniques. The fire performance of the PUFs was evaluated using ISO 11925-2 and UL-94 tests. The results demonstrated that all four flame retardants enhanced the fire performance of the PUFs, with TCPP and TDCP exhibiting the most favorable outcomes. The study highlights the importance of using flame retardants in PUFs to improve their fire performance in various applications.