LAUSR

Abstract Aliphatic polymers such as polyethylene or polypropylene are widely used in spite of their high flammability and forces the introduction of flame retardants (FR), e.g. metal phosphinates, into the polymers. These flame retardants usually act in the condensed phase or may influence the gas phase mechanism of combustion. However, the modes of action are not yet understood in detail and require increasing research. In this study a contribution to the latter is made. The thermal decomposition behavior of aluminum diethylphosphinate (AlPi) as FR, mixed in ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is investigated here by molecular beam mass spectrometry (MBMS) in an oxygen-free atmosphere. The isothermal pyrolysis experiments for this system have been systematically studied by first concentrating on each neat compound, FR and polymer, respectively, followed by the analysis of doped polyethylene blends. The aim is to detect phosphorus-containing species in the gas phase, which is the minimum requirement for a gas phase active FR. It was found that the main product of AlPi is diethylphosphinic acid, which subsequently degrades to lighter species or dimerizes. In the mixture, although the AlPi decomposition is influenced by the polymer in the condensed phase, most of the species responsible for a flame suppressant effect are still present in the gas phase.