Synthesis of a boron/nitrogen-containing compound based on triazine and boronic acid and its flame retardant effect on epoxy resin

With the aim of developing a novel organic flame retardant, an organic boronic acid derivative containing a triazine ring (2,4,6-tris(4-boronic-2-thiophene)-1,3,5-triazine (3TT-3BA)) was synthesized. The thermal properties of 3TT-3BA and its corresponding intermediate products were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. The results show that 3TT-3BA has a high char yield (56.9%). The flame retardant properties of epoxy resin (EP) with 3TT-3BA were investigated by cone calorimeter, limiting oxygen index (LOI) test, and vertical burning test (UL 94). The LOI of EP with 20% 3TT-3BA is 31.2% and the UL 94 V-0 rating is achieved for EP with 20% 3TT-3BA. The flame retardant mechanism of 3TT-3BA in EP was investigated using TGA–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.