Synthesis and application of aminophenyl-s-triazine derivatives as potential flame retardants in the modification of epoxy resins

In order to develop new phosphorus–nitrogen-containing flame retardants, three novel compounds of DOPO-substituted aminophenyl-s-triazine (TAT-DOPO) with different P/N element ratios were synthesized by Kabachnik–Fields reaction. TAT-triDOPO possessing three DOPO units in one molecule exhibited the best thermal stability. Besides, TAT-triDOPO and TAT-hexaDOPO possessing active hydrogen displayed the characteristics of reactive-type retardant, while TAT-enneaDOPO without active hydrogen represented additive-type retardant. The influences of three TAT-DOPO compounds on the thermal stability, flame retardancy and mechanical properties of the cured EP composites were investigated. Compared with pure EP, the char yields of EP/TAT-DOPO were increased. The LOI value and the UL-94 ratings of EP/TAT-triDOPO with a 5% loading were improved to 34.0% and V-0 grade. The PHRR, THR and HRC of EP/TAT-triDOPO were decreased by 25.7%, 21.1% and 25.4%, respectively. Furthermore, the incorporation of TAT-triDOPO could also improve the flexural strength and elastic modulus of cured EP. It was explained that the existence of active hydrogen atoms within TAT-triDOPO molecule can act as effective chemical cross-linking points in EP network. Finally, based on the SEM and TGA-FTIR analysis of pyrolytic products of cured EP/TAT-DOPO, it was deduced that the prepared TAT-DOPO flame retardant could exhibit both condensed phase and gas phase flame-retardancy mechanism.