Abstract: The bio-based flame retardants phytic acid-melamine salt (MPA) was used to improve the flame retardant properties of modified epoxy resin (EP) and its performance was studied. Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize the chemical structure of MPA. Thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), limiting oxygen index tester (LOI), vertical combustion tester (UL-94) and cone calorimeter (CC) were used to study the thermal stability and flame retardancy for EP. TGA results showed that the residue char for MPA is 25.6% at 800 ℃, which enhanced thermal stability of EP in high temperature zone. EP with 15% MPA can pass UL-94 V-0 rating, indicating that MPA shows good flame retardant effect for EP. Cone calorimetry results revealed that the introduction of MPA reduced the heat release rate and total heat release of EPsignificantly, and it exhibited excellent smoke suppression performance.

Key words:  epoxy resin, flame retardant, phytic acid, melamine