Performance comparison of epoxy resins modified with diphenylphosphine oxide and DOPO

SummaryBy curing the reaction mixture of diphenylphosphine oxide (DPO) and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A with 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylsulfone, flame‐retardant epoxy resins (EP/DPO) were prepared. Flame‐retardant epoxy resins modified with 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO) were similarly prepared (denoted as EP/DOPO). The limiting oxygen index value of pure epoxy resin, EP/DPO–P‐0.9 (with a phosphorus content of 0.9 wt%), and EP/DOPO–P‐0.9 are 23.0, 30.5, and 29.4%, respectively. EP/DPO–P‐0.9 reached a UL‐94 vertical burning test V‐0 rating, while EP/DOPO–P‐0.9 failed. The results of the cone calorimetry test, thermo‐oxidative degradation behavior study, and pyrolysis‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis indicated that both flame retardants mainly act through the gas‐phase activity mechanism. Together, the results of this study suggest that EP/DPO are high performance resins with good thermal stability, high glass transition temperature, and low water absorptivity for practical applications.