Effect of Intumescent Flame Retardants on the Properties of Polyurethanes Based on Tall Oil Fatty Acids Esters

The efficiency of using intumescent flame retardants in polyurethane coatings based on tall oil fatty acids esters was assessed. The influence of the content of each of the flame retardants (ammonium polyphosphate, melamine and pentaerythriol) separately on the flammability parameters of wood samples with polyurethane coatings in a cone calorimeter test, as well as on the thermal and mechanical properties of the polyurethane itself, was investigated. The effect of the ratios of double and triple combinations of the mentioned flame retardants on the specified properties was studied. It has been found that, for the given type of polyester urethane, ammonium polyphosphate decreases the flammability of polyurethane most. Melamine, and melamine in combination with ammonium polyphosphate decrease the smoke release upon polyurethane combustion.