Intumescence in poly(butylene terephthalate): the effect of 2‐methyl‐1,2‐oxaphospholan‐5‐one 2‐oxide and ammonium polyphosphate

The flame‐retardant effect of 2‐methyl‐1,2‐oxaphospholan‐5‐one 2‐oxide (OP) and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) in poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) was studied by the limiting oxygen index and the UL94 test. A self‐extinguishing formulation (V‐0 rating) was achieved by the addition of 15 wt% APP and 10 wt% OP. The fire‐retardant effect was attributed to the condensed‐phase mechanism of intumescence. Mechanistic studies were performed using thermogravimetry, IR characterization of solid residues and GC–MS characterization of the gaseous and high‐boiling products. OP–APP was shown to cause ammonolysis of PBT, formation of aromatic nitriles in the high‐boiling products and phosphorus ester groups and polyphosphoric acid–phosphorus pentaoxide in the solid residue.