Enabling simultaneous reprocessability and fire protection via incorporation of phosphine oxide monomer in epoxy vitrimer

The conception of epoxy thermosets with both reprocessability and flame retardancy delineates a new horizon in polymer science, offering a material solution that is not only superior in fire safety but is also environment friendly. Herein, a flame-retardant epoxy vitrimer (EV) was prepared using partially bio-based IADPPO (diphenylphosphine oxide itaconic anhydride) and citric acid as curing reagents via a solvent -free process. Their incorporation created covalent adaptable networks (CANs) in the matrix which promote reprocessability and recyclability. The EV exhibits excellent thermal stability with high initial decomposition temperature ( T - 5wt% -308 degrees C) and high glass transition temperature ( T g -107 degrees C), similar to the blank EV (115 degrees C). The flame retardancy, mechanical properties, transesterification-based reprocessability, and flame-retardant mechanism were investigated. The EV containing 3 wt% phosphorus (EV IADPPO 3P) achieved UL -94 V0 classification with a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 27%, while the virgin sample Blank EV (without phosphorus) burned completely. Additionally, increased flexural strength of 79% was observed for EV IADPPO 3P compared to Blank EV. Furthermore, the flame-retardant EV showed high malleability and reparability that could be thermomechanically reprocessed without sacrificing the thermal, mechanical, and flame-retardant properties. Thus, the newly developed epoxy vitrimer is not only fire -safe but fulfills the sustainability goals of today's society. (c) 2024 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The editorial office of Journal of Materials Science & Technology.