Synergistic flame retardant effects of composites containing organic montmorillonite, Nylon 6 and 2-cyclic pentaerythritoloctahydrogen tetraphosphate-4,6-benzene sulfonic acid sodium ammion-triazine

A novel P-N containing intumescent flame retardant, 2-cyclic pentaerythritoloctahydrogen tetraphosphate-4,6-benzene sulfonic acid sodium ammion-triazine (CTOB) was synthesized and used as an additive in intumescent flame retardant composites containing organic montmorillonite (OMMT) and Nylon 6. The thermal stability and flammability properties of Nylon 6, CTOB, OMMT and their composites were investigated by TGA, limiting oxygen index (LOI) and cone calorimeter tests. Synergistic effects between CTOB and OMMT in the Nylon 6/CTOB/OMM composite were observed. A combination of CTOB and OMMT improved the thermal stability and the flammability properties of Nylon 6 and increased the LOI value to 28.0%. The average and peak heat release rates of the ternary composite were reduced by about 65.7 and 49.3%, respectively, compared with those of Nylon 6. The residue generated after the cone calorimeter tests upon combustion of the ternary composite was a compact and dense char as revealed by SEM, which is critically important for an excellent flame retardant.