Silicon-based flame retardants have the following characteristics and effects in polyurethane applications:
Improved flame retardant performance: Silicon-based flame retardants in polyurethane form a dense carbon layer, which inhibits heat feedback during combustion and reduces the escape of flammable gases, thereby playing an insulating and shielding role. Its flame retardant mechanism is mainly based on condensed phase flame retardancy, achieving the flame retardant effect by generating a cracked carbon layer and enhancing the oxidation resistance of the carbon layer.
Material performance optimization: Silicon-based flame retardants not only enhance the flame retardancy of polyurethane but also improve its processing performance, mechanical properties and heat resistance. For instance, when the silicone component is combined with polyurethane, the material can possess the wear resistance, good elasticity and strong solvent resistance of polyurethane, as well as the good flexibility, low surface tension and strong hydrophobicity of silicone resin.
Environmental protection and safety: Silicon-based flame retardants are environmentally friendly flame retardants, featuring anti-dripping, high efficiency and low toxicity. It does not produce toxic or corrosive gases when burning, meeting environmental protection requirements and being safe and friendly to the environment and human health.
Expansion of application fields: The application of silicon-based flame retardants has enabled polyurethane materials to be used in more fields. For example, silicone waterborne polyurethane coatings can be used as aircraft coating agents due to their excellent cold resistance, high temperature resistance and weather resistance. In the medical field, polyurethane materials have better biocompatibility and stability due to the modification of silicon-based flame retardants.
Synergistic effect: Silicon-based flame retardants have a synergistic effect with other flame retardant elements (such as phosphorus), which can further enhance the flame retardant effect. At high temperatures, phosphorus compounds decompose into metaphosphoric acid, promoting the dehydration of polymers into carbon. Meanwhile, silicon can enhance the thermal stability of these carbon layers.
