Effect of phosphite loading on the mechanical and fire properties of palm-based polyurethane

Abstract

Fire-retarding polyurethane (PU) composite was produced by adding 2,4-ditert-butylphenyl phosphite (FR) to palm-based monoester resin with loading percentage of 0, 2, 4, and 6 wt%. The Shore D hardness index increased marginally with increasing FR content. However, the impact and flexural strengths decreased with increasing FR loading attributed to the weak interfacial bonding between FR and PU matrix. The fire test indicated lowering of burning rate (from 5.30 mm s-1 to 2.80 mm s-1) as the loading percentage of FR increased. The combustion enthalpy of the composites also decreased with higher loading percentage of FR.