Synthesis and Characterization of Chlorinated Bisphenol-Based Polymers and Polycarbodiimides as Inherently Fire-Safe Polymers
Abstract
Two different types of polymers were synthesized and their degradation and combustion behavior were investigated. The first class, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylidene (bisphenol C) based polymers, were found to be among the most fire- resistant polymers with peak heat release capacities as low as 20 J/g-K. Polymers containing bisphenol C all exhibited exothermic decomposition behavior. When compared to corresponding bisphenol-A-based polymers, these bisphenol-C- containing polymers had higher char yields and lower decomposition temperatures. The presence of bisphenol C in materials, whether as a co-monomer or blends, showed a char enhancement effect; yielding higher char than what is expected by a purely additive effect. Bisphenol C polyarylates and polycarbonates yielded large amounts of HCl and carbon dioxide upon decomposition. Compared with other bisphenol-based polymers, polycarbonates and polyarylates containing bisphenol C yielded significantly less amounts of monomer. Decreasing the concentration of bisphenol C in the copolymers or blends yielded relatively more monomer in the degradation products.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA384479
Entities
People
- Jennifer R. Stewart
Organizations
- University of Massachusetts Amherst