Physico-chemical study of DGEBA epoxy resin flame retarded with an ecological flame retardant based on cyclotriphosphazene

In the present research, we have investigated the analysis of gases generated under thermal decomposition of neat and flame retarded DGEBA epoxy resin based on HGCP (Hexaglycidyl cyclotriphosphazene). The use of thermogravimetry coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR) has allowed the continuous detection of a number of the most important fire gases. The morphology of samples during thermal degradation have been observed by way of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. We have shown that 5% add-on of HGCP can impart DGEBA UL94 V-0 rating. IR data and thermal decomposition data show that HGCP accelerates the emission of the inflammable gas and char forming of DGEBA. In addition, SEM pictures indicate that HGCP promotes foaming and char expansion, and improve gullys on char surface as well. All these fact were helpful to combine the gas action and the condensed phase action (intumescent) for HGCP flame retardancy.