Molecular understanding of novel hyperbranched polyphosphoester/amidates as multifunctional flame retardants

• Applicants: Privatdozent Dr. Bernhard Schartel; Professor Dr. Frederik Wurm
• Subject Area: Polymer Materials
• Term: from 2015 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 279768055

This project proposes novel hyperbranched flame retardants based on poly(phosphate)s and poly( phosphoamidate)s with precisely adjusted molecular structures. The goal is to understand the flame retardancy mechanisms and correlate this to the microstructure of the polymers. Fundamental science will allow us to develop modern multifunctional flame retardants: hyperbranched polymeric flame retardants are not only efficient but also enable high glass transition temperatures and reasonable mechanical properties, good compatibility, and restricted mobility within the matrix at the same time. A high phosphorus content, the synergy of additional P-N bonds, their complex macromolecular structure, and high molecular weight will be exploited. In this project novel hyperbranched flame retardants will be synthesised via olefin metathesis and radical polymerization. Both mechanisms allow together with controlled monomer synthesis the precise variation of the microstructure of the polymers. Amounts > 500 g will enable the incorporation into different polymer matrices and the production of a reasonable amount of test specimens to investigate the material properties, the pyrolysis, the flammability (reaction to small flame) and the fire behaviour. This comprehensive investigation in the properties as well as the systematic variation of the molecular structure of the hyperbranched flame retardants will deliver the molecular understanding of the mechanisms and structure-property-relationships.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants