Study on the properties of flame retardant polyurethane/organoclay nanocomposite

Flame retardant polyurethane/organoclay nanocomposite based on polyether. organoclay, phenylmethane diisocyanate. diglycol, glycerine and flame retardant was synthesized. The morphology was characterized by X-ray diffraction and high-resolution electron microscopy. The mechanical properties, thermal stability, and flammability of flame retardant polyurethane/organoclay nanocomposite were investigated by tensile, thermogravimetry, and cone calorimetry experiments. It is shown that the flame retardant nanocomposite has enhanced tensile strength. capacity of carbonaceous char formation and flame retardant properties compared with pure polyurethane. The results show synergistic effects between organoclay. PU and flame retardant. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.