Influence of structure of the metal salts of phosphinates on the performance of the fire-retardant polymers

Abstract

Dialkylphosphinate salts (I) and amide-containing phosphinate salts(II) with varying metal cation and organic groups were used as flame retardants for epoxy resin(EP), poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) correspondingly. Their flame retardancy, mechanical properties, thermal stability, compatibility between phosphinate salts and polymer, and leaching of the salts from the polymer were investigated with respect to the structure of phosphinate salts.