Synthesis of a DOPO Derivative to Improve the Fire Safety and Mechanical Performance of Epoxy Resin

Abstract A 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO) derivative is prepared. At first, an intermediate 4,4'‐((triazole)bis(azaneylylidene)bis(2,6‐dimethoxyphenol)) (SGA) is obtained from the Schiff‐base reaction between syringaldehyde (S) and 3,5‐diamino‐1,2,4‐triazole (GA). The further product DOPO‐SGA is then introduced into epoxy by blending to improve flame retardancy and mechanical properties. The flammability evaluation is implemented by limited oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94, and cone calorimeter tests. The presence of 3wt.% DOPO‐SGA increases the LOI to 33.2%, upgrades the UL‐94 rating to V‐0, and reduces the release of smoke and heat of epoxy. The tensile strength and impact strength are also enhanced after the introduction of DOPO‐SGA. The addition of 5% DOPO‐SGA increases the tensile strength and impact strength by 47% and 42%, respectively, compared with that of the control EP sample. It is suggested that the mechanical strengthening is ascribed to the ternary cross‐linked network among epoxy monomer, curing agent, and DOPO‐SGA. This work provides a feasible solution to obtain flame‐retardant epoxy resin with enhanced mechanical performance.