Enhanced Thermal Stability and Flame Retardancy of a Novel Transparent Poly(Methyl Methacrylate)-Based Copolymer

Abstract

A novel poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) based copolymer was synthesized by bulk copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and a phosphorus-containing monomer, acryloxyethyl phenoxy phosphorodiethyl amidate (AEPPA). The chemical structure of AEPPA was confirmed by FTIR,1H NMR and31P NMR. The structure of copolymers was characterized using FTIR. TGA results indicate that the thermal stability of copolymers was remarkably enhanced with the addition of APEEA. LOI and MCC results suggest that the flame retardancy of copolymers was also improved. Detailed flame-retardant mechanism is proposed. The char formation during degradation caused by APEEA plays a key role in the property improvements.