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Description
Epoxy resins are widely used polymeric materials owing to their excellent mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and adhesion properties. However, their relatively high flammability restricts their use in areas where improved fire safety is required. Therefore, modifying epoxy systems with effective flame-retardant additives is an important area of research. Among the various flame-retardant systems available, those containing phosphorus and nitrogen have attracted considerable attention. Melamine-based phosphates in particular are considered promising additives, as they promote char formation and reduce heat release during combustion1-3.
This study examined the modification of epoxy composites crosslinked with amine hardeners using melamine phosphate flame-retardant additives. These modifiers were obtained through reactions between melamine and selected phosphorus derivatives. Additionally, a hybrid flame-retardant system containing melamine phosphate and hydrated zinc borate was prepared by mechanical mixing. These additives were then incorporated into epoxy resin systems to obtain polymer composites with enhanced flame-retardant properties. Thermal resistance (DSC and TGA) and flammability tests were also conducted to evaluate the thermal stability and fire behaviour of the prepared epoxy composites.
Keywords: epoxy resin, melamine, composites, thermal resistance, fire properties.
References
1. P. Müller, B. Schartel, Melamine poly(metal phosphates) as flame retardant in epoxy resin: Performance, modes of action, and synergy, J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 (133) 24, 43549.
2. D. Jia, J. Yang, J. He, X. Li, R. Yang, Melamine-based polyol containing phosphonate and alkynyl groups and its application in rigid polyurethane foam, J. Mater. Sci. 2021 (56) 870–885.
3. P. Zheng, H. Zhao, Y. Meng, J. Li, Q. You, Q. Liu, Melamine-based biomass-containing P/N synergistic flame retardants confer superb flame retardancy and toughness to epoxy resins, Prog. Org. Coat. 2025 (198) 108927.