Synthesis and characterization of flame retardant polyurethane: Effect of castor oil polyurethane on its properties

A Flame retardant polyether ester urethane was produced using PPG, phosphorous, phthalic anhydride, and isophorone diisocyanate. For the formulation of polymer blend (PBs), bio-based polyurethane was procured from castor oil (CPU) and was blended with polyether ester urethane (PEEU). The different characterizations were done to determine the effect of bio based polyurethane on the properties of PEEU. The comparative studies show PBs have better properties compared to flame retardant PEEU. The thermal degradation study shows a 30–40% decrease in the rate of thermal degradation in PBs. LOI values of PBs have been decreased by 2–3%. The mechanical properties show that the breaking elongation of PBs has increased with 50–90%, but on the other hand, tensile strength has been decreased from 3 (MPa) to 5 (MPa). The gel content in PBs has increased with 10–20%. The hydrolytic stability and contact angle of PBs have been increased with an increase in the CPU ratio. Soil burial test results show that increasing the ratio of CPU in PBs lowers the rate of bacterial attack on the polymeric chain.