Compounds based on bromine are commonly used for flame retardant epoxy resins. However, in relation to forthcoming electronic waste regulations, the use of halogen containing additives will be banned in the future. For this reason, epoxy resin suppliers and processors are searching for halogen-free flame retardants which do not affect material properties or processing. The article shows promising results achieved with a flame retardant system based upon an aminophenyl phosphate. The reactive, halogen-free compound can be used as a crosslinking agent for epoxy resins, replacing the common combination of dicyandiamide and TBBA. Laminates made of aminophenyl phosphate crosslinked epoxy resin meet the UL 94 V-1 classification. They also meet requirements concerning water absorption, heat stability and high glass transition temperature. Aminophenyl phosphates can be combined with conventional crosslinking systems and common phosphate flame retardants. Epoxy resins crosslinked with aminophenyl phosphates need no change of the processing technology. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
