The effect of phosphorus based flame retardants on the thermal and fire retardant properties of chicken feather/thermoplastic polyurethane biocomposites

Abstract In this study, phosphorus-based additives (ammonium polyphosphate (APP), aluminum hypophosphite (AHP), and aluminum diethyl phosphinate (AlPi)) were used to improve the flame retardant properties of chicken feather (CF) reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composites. The additives were used in three concentrations of 5, 10, and 20 wt%. The fire-retardant properties of the composites were investigated by using limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL 94 V), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and mass loss calorimeter test (MLC). According to the test results, the additives exerted flame retardant performance in the descending order of APP, AHP and AlPi. All additives showed flame retardant action both in the condensed and gas phases. However, the better fire retardant performances of APP and AHP with respect AlPi stemed from enhanced char formation.