Synergistic effect between solid wastes and intumescent flame retardant on flammability and smoke suppression of thermoplastic polyurethane composites

Phosphorus tailings and fly ash both are solid wastes and do harm to the environment. Here, they were added into thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) matrices together with intumescent flame retardants (IFR), and the synergistic effects between IFR and phosphorus tailings or fly ash for improving the flame retardancy of TPU were investigated. The cone calorimeter test (CCT) results indicated that adding phosphorus tailings or fly ash substitute for part of IFR could obtain a better flame retardant effect. The peak heart release rate (PHRR) of TPU/25 wt% IFR composites exhibited a reduction of 77% than that of neat TPU, and the total smoke production presented a reduction of 16%. However, the PHRR value and total smoke production of the sample TPU/20 wt% IFR/5 wt% phosphorus tailings were reduced by 91% and 57%, respectively, compared to that of neat TPU. The dense char promoted by the presence of IFR and phosphorus tailings or fly ash delayed the diffusion of volatile pyrolysis products and transmission of heat and oxygen to the underlying material. Therefore, a certain amount of phosphorus tailings or fly ash can be used as synergistic agents with IFR to enhance the fire safety of TPU materials. From another aspect, it also provides a promising way for recycling use of phosphorus tailings and fly ash.