Preparation and properties of a novel flame retardant polyurethane quasi-prepolymer for toughening phenolic foam

A novel phosphorus-and nitrogen-containing polyurethane quasi-prepolymer (PNPUQP) was synthesized and incorporated into phenolic foam (PF) in different ratios in order to improve the toughness. The structure of PNPUQP was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The effects of PNPUQP on the flame retardant properties, thermal stability and mechanical properties of modified PF were investigated. The results suggested that the addition of 3 wt % PNPUQP increased the toughness of PF and improved the flame retardancy. The investigation on the morphology of PF and modified PF by scanning electron microscope (SEM) certified the good toughness of the PNPUQP on PF. Additionally, the thermal properties of the foams were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) under N-2 atmosphere. (C) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.