Influence of the pentaerythritol phosphate melamine salt content on the combustion and thermal decomposition process of intumescent flame‐retardant ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer composites

Pentaerythritol phosphate melamine salt (PPMS) as a single‐molecule intumescent fire retardant was synthesized and characterized. The influence of the PPMS content on the combustion and thermal decomposition processes of intumescent‐flame‐retardant (IFR) ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) composites was studied by limiting oxygen index (LOI) measurement, UL 94 rating testing, cone calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The LOI and UL 94 rating results illustrate that PPMS used in EVA improved the flame retardancy of the EVA composites. The cone calorimetry test results show that the addition of PPMS significantly decreased the heat‐release rate, total heat release, and smoke‐production rate and enhanced the residual char fire performance of the EVA composites. The IFR–EVA3 composite showed the lowest heat‐release and smoke‐production rates and the highest char residue; this means that the IFR–EVA3 composite had the best flame retardancy. The thermogravimetry results show that the IFR–EVA composites had more residual char than pure EVA; the char residue yield increased with increasing PPMS content. The analysis results for the char residue structures also illustrated that the addition of PPMS into the EVA resin helped to enhance the fire properties of the char layer and improve the flame retardancy of the EVA composites. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42148.     

Grafting modification bamboo kraft lignin and its performance in rigid polyurethane foams

In order to improve the efficiency of intumescent flame retardant (IFR), bamboo kraft lignin (BKL) was chemically functionalized by grafting melamine (MEL) and diethyl phosphite (DEP) and used for rigid polyurethane (RPU) foam. The BKL, MEL, and DEP in IFR system were used as char forming agent, gas, and acid source, respectively. The FTIR and XPS results indicated that the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) containing BKL was successfully synthesized. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of N-BKL and N/P-BKL RPU foams were higher than BKL RPU foam, suggesting that N-BKL and N/P-BKL improved flame retardancy of the foams. The total heat release (THR), heat release rate (HRR), effective heat of combustion (EHC), and fire growth rate (FIGRA) values of N-BKL and N/P-BKL RPU foams were much lower than that of BKL RPU foam. The flame retardancy index value of N/P-BKL RPU foams was higher comparing to N-BKL RPU foam. These results indicated that the synergistic interaction between N containing compound of MEL and P containing compound of DEP led to the improvement flame retardant properties. Comparing to BKL RPU foam, the N/P-BKL RPU foam increased 74°C of maximum weight loss temperature and decreased 18.1 wt% of mass loss, indicating enhanced thermal stability. The morphology of char after cone calorimeter testing showed the N/P-BKL RPU foam presented more continuous and compact char residues, which could reduce heat and mass transfer, protecting underlying materials from further combustion in a fire, thus resulting in good flame retardancy and thermal stability properties. This work suggests a promising route to enhancing the flame-retardant performance of RPU foam using nontoxic and more environmentally friendly grafted bamboo lignin.     

Preparation of aluminum hydroxide/aluminum phosphinate flame‐retardant poly(vinyl alcohol) foam through thermal processing

A novel flame‐retardant poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composite foam was prepared successfully through thermal processing, which was filled with high content of flame retardant, based on aluminum hydroxide (ATH) and aluminum phosphinate (AlPi) and using water as plasticizer and blowing agent. The flame‐retardant property and mechanism of the prepared foam matrix were studied by vertical burning test, limiting oxygen index (LOI), cone calorimeter, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The experimental results showed that the PVA/ATH/AlPi (1/1.2/0.05) composite achieved LOI value of 41% and UL94 V‐0 (3.2 mm) rate. The addition of ATH and AlPi into PVA matrix significantly decreased flammability of the composites, because a more compact and continuous char layer of the PVA/ATH/AlPi composite could be formed, due to the involvement of AlPi in the char‐forming reaction. Compared with the pure PVA sample, the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) of PVA/ATH/AlPi (1/1.2/0.05) composite were reduced by 76.5% and 58.2%, respectively. Built upon this PVA‐based foam matrix with good flame retardancy, the flame‐retardant PVA‐based foam was successfully prepared through thermal extrusion. In addition, the influence of water content on melt viscosity, foam structure and mechanical strength was also analyzed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42020.     

新型成炭剂对PE-LD阻燃性能的影响

以多聚磷酸铵（APP）与新型成炭剂（CNCH-DA）复配成新型膨胀型阻燃剂（IFR）,采用氧指数测定仪、垂直燃烧测定仪、微型量热仪、热重分析仪和扫描电子显微镜研究了CNCH-DA 对低密度聚乙烯（PE-LD）/IFR复合材料阻燃性能的影响。结果表明,当APP与CNCH-DA以质量比5:1复配时,PE-LD/IFR复合材料的极限氧指数达到27.5 %,且达到UL 94 V-0级;当APP与CNCH-DA复配后,PE-LD的燃烧性能下降;APP与CNCH-DA复配后,PE-LD/IFR复合材料的热降解有所推迟;PE-LD/IFR在燃烧后能形成致密且蓬松的炭层,起到良好的阻燃效果,而PE-LD/CNCH-DA则形成蓬松而不致密的微球,阻隔能力差。     

Synergist flame retarding effect of ultrafine zinc borate on LDPE/IFR system

The flame retardancy of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) treated with complex flame retardant composed of ultrafine zinc borate (UZB) and intumescent flame retardant (IFR) have been investigated by limited oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94 test, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), cone calorimeter test, scanning electron micrograph (SEM), energy‐dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The results of LOI and UL‐94 test indicate the desired flame retardancy of LDPE is obtained when the mass ratio of UZB to IFR is 4.2 : 25.8 and the complex flame retardant mass content is 30% (based on LDPE). The results of cone calorimeter show that heat release rate (HRR) peak, total heat release (THR), and mass loss of LDPE/IFR/UZB decrease substantially when compared with those of LDPE/IFR. TGA results show that the residue of LDPE/IFR/UZB increases obviously than that of LDPE/IFR when the temperature is above 600°C. SEM indicates the quality of char forming of LDPE/IFR/UZB is superior to that of LDPE/IFR. The results of EDS and XRD indicate that boron orthophosphate (BPO₄) and zinc‐contained compounds are formed in the residual char and these substances may play an important role in stabilizing the intumescent char structure and decrease the degradation speed substantially when subjected to high temperature. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3667–3674, 2007     

Effect of charring agent THEIC on flame retardant properties of polypropylene

Tris(2‐hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate (THEIC) was used as charring agent and combined with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) to form an intumescent flame retardant (IFR) for polypropylene (PP). The flame retardancy and combustion performance of PP/IFR composite was tested by limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94 vertical burning test and cone calorimeter. The results showed that PP/IFR composite had highest LOI of 34.8 and obtained V‐0 rating when 30 wt % IFR was loaded and mass ratio APP/THEIC was 2 : 1. The peak heat release (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) values of PP composite containing FRs were remarkably reduced compared with that of pure PP. However, water resistant test demonstrated the PP/IFR composite had poor flame retardant durability, both the LOI value and UL‐94 V‐rating decreased when PP/IFR composite was soaked in water at 70°C after 36 h. The degradation process and the char morphology of IFR and PP/IFR composite were investigated by TGA and SEM images. The possible reaction path between APP and THEIC in the swollen process was proposed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41214.     

低密度及阻燃低密度高回弹聚氨酯泡沫研制

采用聚醚多元醇和阻燃聚合物多元醇为主要原料,制备了低密度及阻燃低密度高回弹聚氨酯泡沫,讨论了低密度高回弹聚氨酯泡沫性能及阻燃聚合物多元醇TM-300用量对聚氨酯泡沫性能的影响。结果表明,低密度高回弹泡沫密度可低至35kg/m3,性能与一般密度聚氨酯泡沫相当。随着TM-300用量增加,阻燃低密度高回弹聚氨酯泡沫的硬度和拉伸强度增加,撕裂强度和伸长率下降;TM-300可有效提高聚氨酯泡沫的阻燃性能,氧指数可达到32,各项性能均较优异。     

A commercial phosphorous–nitrogen containing intumescent flame retardant for thermoplastic polyurethane

The aim of this work is to develop a halogen‐free thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composite with significantly improved fire performance by using a highly commercial phosphorous–nitrogen containing intumescent flame retardant (P–N IFR). Based on the characterizations of thermogravimetric analysis and in situ Fourier transform infrared spectra, P–N IFR powder was proved a desired flame retardant for TPU in theory and the thermal degradation property of PU/PNIFR composites at elevated temperatures was investigated as well. Fire performance was evaluated by limiting oxygen index, underwriters laboratories 94 testing and char residue morphologies. Results showed that the addition of P–N IFR promotes the formation of char residues which were covered on the surface of polymer composites resulting in the improvement of thermal stability and flame retardancy. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 39772.     

Flame Retardancy and Thermal Performance of Polypropylene Treated With the Intumescent Flame Retardant,Piperazine Spirocyclic Phosphoramidate

Piperazine spirocyclic phosphoramidate (PSP), a novel halogen‐free intumescent flame retardant, was synthesized and used to improve the flame retardancy and dripping resistance of polypropylene (PP) combined with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and a triazine polymer charring‐foaming agent (CFA). The optimum flame‐retardant formulation was PSP:APP:CFA = 3:6:2 (weight ratio). The flammability and thermal behavior of the (intumescent flame‐retardant)‐PP (IFR‐PP) were investigated via limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning tests (UL‐94), thermogravimetric analysis, and cone calorimetry (CONE). The results indicated that the IFR‐PP had both excellent flame retardancy and anti‐dripping ability. The optimum flame‐retardant formulation gave an LOI value of 39.8 and a UL‐94 V‐0 rating to PP. Moreover, both the heat release rate and the total heat release of the IFR‐PP with the optimum formulation decreased significantly relative to those of pure PP, according to the cone calorimeter analyses. The residues of IFR‐PP obtained after CONE tests were observed by scanning electron microscopy, and it was found that the char yield was directly related to the flame retardancy and anti‐dripping behavior of the treated PP. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 20:10–15, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Halogen‐free intumescent flame‐retardant ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer system based on organic montmorillonite and graphene nanosheets

Halogen‐containing flame retardants are not preferred for environmental reasons. Herein, a halogen‐free intumescent flame‐retardant ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA/IFR) system containing organic montmorillonite (OMMT) and graphene nanosheets (GNSs) is fabricated with well dispersion structure, enhanced thermal‐oxidative resistance at high temperature. Interestingly, the amount of residual chars from thermogravimetric analysis is increased to 12.7 wt % at 700 °C, the EVA/IFR composite containing both OMMT and GNSs exhibits the best flame retardancy with the lowest peak heat release rate value of 529.58 kW m^?2, and the highest limited oxygen index value of 24.8%. The excellent flame retardancy is attributed to the formation of complete and compact protective char layer. Furthermore, the decreases of the mechanical properties caused by the addition of IFR are relieved and a high volume resistivity is maintained when combining OMMT and GNSs in the EVA/IFR system together. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46361.     

Enhancement of wollastonite on flame retardancy and mechanical properties of PP/IFR composite

Wollastonite, a natural calcium metasilicate possessing acicular crystal habit structure, was used together with intumescent flame retardant (IFR) to flame retard polypropylene (PP). The synergistic effects between wollastonite and IFR were investigated using limiting oxygen index (LOI) test, cone calorimeter test, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscope‐energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM‐EDS), etc. The results revealed that wollastonite could effectively improve mechanical properties and flame retardancy of the PP/IFR composite. When 2.0 wt% wollastonite substituted for the same amount of IFR in the composite, the impact strength was enhanced from 4.6 kJ/m² to 6.8 kJ/m², which was increased by 47.1%. Meanwhile, the LOI was increased from 33.0% to 35.5%, a UL‐94V‐0 rating was achieved and the peak heat release rate decreased substantially from 314.4 kW/m² to 262.8 kW/m². Furthermore, the SEM‐EDS results provided positive evidence that the quality of char layer of the PP/IFR/wollastonite was superior to that of the PP/IFR composite due to synergism between wollastonite and IFR. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:158–166, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Flame retardation and thermal degradation of intumescent flame‐retarded polypropylene composites containing spirophosphoryldicyandiamide and ammonium polyphosphate

A novel halogen‐free intumescent flame retardant, spirophosphoryldicyandiamide (SPDC), was synthesized and combined with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) to produce a compound intumescent flame retardant (IFR). This material was used in polypropylene (PP) to obtain IFR‐PP systems whose flammability and thermal behavior were studied by the limiting oxygen index (LOI) test, UL‐94, thermogravimetric analysis, and cone calorimetry. In addition, the mechanical properties of the systems were investigated. The results indicated that the compound intumescent flame retardant showed both excellent flame retardancy and antidripping ability for PP when the two main components of the IFR coexisted in appropriate proportions. The optimum flame retardant formulation was SPDC:APP = 3:1, which gave an LOI value of 38.5 and a UL‐94 V‐0 rating. Moreover, the heat release rate, production of CO, smoke production rate, and mass loss rate of the IFR‐PP with the optimum formulation decreased significantly relative to those of pure PP, according to the cone calorimeter analysis. The char residues from the cone calorimetry experiments were observed by scanning electron microscopy, which showed that a homogeneous and compact intumescent char layer was formed. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Synthesis of novel triazine charring agent and its effect in intumescent flame‐retardant polypropylene

A novel charring agent (CNCA‐DA) containing triazine and benzene ring, using cyanuric chloride, aniline, and ethylenediamine as raw materials, was synthesized and characterized. The effects of CNCA‐DA on flame retardancy, thermal degradation, and flammability properties of polypropylene (PP) were investigated by limited oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL‐94), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and cone calorimeter test (CCT). The TGA results showed that CNCA‐DA had a good char forming ability, and a high initial temperature of thermal degradation; the char residue of CNCA‐DA reached 18.5% at 800°C; Ammonium polyphosphate (APP) could improve the char residue of APP/CNCA‐DA system, the char residue reached 31.6% at 800°C. The results from LOI and UL‐94 showed that the intumescent flame retardant (IFR) containing CNCA‐DA and APP was very effective in flame retardancy of PP. When the mass ratio of APP and CNCA‐DA was 2 : 1, and the IFR loading was 30%, the IFR showed the best effect; the LOI value reached 35.6%. It was also found that when the IFR loading was only 20%, the flame retardancy of PP/IFR can still pass V‐0 rating in UL‐94 tests, and its LOI value reached 27.1%. The CCT results demonstrated that IFR could clearly change the decomposition behavior of PP and form a char layer on the surface of the composites, consequently resulting in efficient reduction of the flammability parameters, such as heat release rate (HRR), total heat release (THR), smoke production rate (SPR), total smoke production (TSP), and mass loss (ML). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Synergistic effects of dual imidazolium polyoxometalates on intumescent flame retardant polypropylene

The role of dual imidazolium polyoxometalates (POMs) in the flame retardancy of polypropylene/intumescent flame retardant (PP/IFR) composites was studied. The results showed that the structures of dual imidazolium POMs have a great effect on the flame retardancy of PP composites. The dual imidazolium POMs based on an ethyl group (EMIPMA) obtain the best flame retardant efficiency. With 15.5 wt % IFR and 0.5 wt % EMIPMA, the PP composites reach a limiting oxygen index of 25.7 and the UL‐94 V‐0 standard. However, the dual imidazolium POMs containing a butyl (BMIPMA) or hexyl (HMIPMA) group cannot achieve the UL‐94 V‐0 standard at the same formulation. Dual imidazolium POMs not only promote the formation of good char, but also induce the formation of intumescent char with a hierarchical and microporous structure that helps to prevent gas and heat from transferring from the flame to the resin. Therefore, the flame retardancy of PP/IFR composites is improved. However, excessive combustible components produced by BMIPMA or HMIPMA deteriorate the flame retardancy of PP/IFR composites. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45491.     

Thermal degradation behaviors and flame retardancy of epoxy resins with novel silicon‐containing flame retardant

A novel macromolecular silicon‐containing intumescent flame retardants (Si‐IFR) was synthesized, and its structure was a caged bicyclic macromolecule containing phosphorus‐silicon characterized by IR. Epoxy resins (EP) were modified with Si‐IFR to get the flame retardant EP, whose flammability and burning behavior were characterized by UL 94 and limiting oxygen index (LOI). Twenty percentage of weight of Si‐IFR was doped into EP to get 27.5% of LOI and UL 94 V‐0. The degradation behavior of the flame retardant EP was studied by thermogravimetry, differential thermogravimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. The experimental results exhibited that when EP/Si‐IFR was heated, the phosphorus‐containing groups firstly decompose to hydrate the char source‐containing groups to form a continuous and protective carbonaceous char, which changed into heat‐resistant swollen char by gaseous products from the nitrogen‐containing groups. Meanwhile, SiO₂ reacts with phosphate to yield silicophosphate, which stabilizes the swollen char. The barrier properties and thermal stability of the swollen char are most effective in resisting the transport of heat and mass to improve the flame retardancy and thermal stability of EP. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Bio-based rigid polyurethane foam composites reinforced with flame retardants: From synthesis to performance evaluation

The building and construction industry is under increasing pressure to make insulation materials greener, more sustainable, and less flammable. In this study, sugar beet pulp was liquified under the optimized liquefaction conditions and used as the source of bio-polyol (SBpol) in the production of bio-based rigid polyurethane foam (sPUF). In order to improve the flame retardancy, sPUF composites were prepared with the addition of flame retardants; expandable graphite (EG) and/or dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP). The bio-polyol was used at a fixed ratio of 50 php in sPUF composites whereas the total ratio of flame retardants was fixed at 20 php. The effects of the ratio of EG and/or DMMP on the morphological, physicomechanical, thermal, and flame retardant properties of sPUF composites were evaluated. Although the thermal conductivity values of flame retardant added sPUF composites were increased in comparison to the petroleum-based foam, the compressive strength values were decreased as the amount of DMMP increased in the flame retardant formulation. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the onset of decomposition of 20 php DMMP-containing sPUF composite decreased to 168.3°C. Although the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of the petroleum-based PUF was as low as 19.7%, the LOI value of the sPUF/10E/10D foam increased to 24.9% (by about 26%). According to the cone calorimeter results, the peak heat release rate (pHRR) of sPUF was much higher than the petroleum-based foam. The incorporation of both DMMP and EG could further improve the flame retardant properties. The pHRR value of sPUF/10E/10D was 28.1% lower than that of sPUF. The results have shown that flame retardancy of sPUF composites could be improved by the addition of EG which acts in the condensed phase and DMMP, which acts mainly in the gas phase during burning. Flame retardant incorporated sPUF composites are considered as promising materials for use in insulation applications.     

Exceptionally flame-retardant flexible polyurethane foam composites: synergistic effect of the silicone resin/graphene oxide coating

A facile strategy was developed to fabricate flexible polyurethane (PU) foam composites with exceptional flame retardancy. The approach involves the incorporation of graphene oxide (GO) into a silicone resin (SiR) solution, which is then deposited onto a PU foam surface via the dip-coating technique and cured. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy measurements demonstrated that the SiR and GO were successfully coated onto the PU skeleton and the intrinsic porous structure of the PU foam remained intact. The effects of SiR and GO on the mechanical and thermal stability and flame retardancy of PU composites were evaluated through compression tests, thermogravimetric analysis, vertical combustion tests, and the limiting oxygen index. The measurement results revealed that the composites (PU@SiR-GO) showed superior flame retardancy and thermal and mechanical stability compared to pristine PU or PU coated with SiR alone. The mechanical and thermal stability and the flame-retardant properties of the PU composites were enhanced significantly with increasing GO content. Based on the composition, microstructure, and surface morphology of PU@SiR-GO composites before and after combustion tests, a possible flame-retardance mechanism is proposed. This work provides a simple and effective strategy for fabricating flame-retardant composites with improved mechanical performance.     

A novel lanthanum-based phosphorus-containing flame retardant agent and its application in polylactic acid

Currently, intumescent flame retardants (IFR) are often used in the flame retardant modification of polylactic acid (PLA). Due to the high loading, it will weaken the mechanical properties of PLA. In this study, lamellar lanthanum-based DOPO derivative (La@DDP) is prepared by solution method, and it acts as a flame retardant agent was added into PLA with IFR. The results show that PLA composite passes the UL94 V-0 rating with a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 32.0, in the addition of 4.5 wt% IFR and 1.5 wt% La@DDP. Moreover, the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) of the PLA composite reduces by 31.0% and 23.2% compared to pure PLA, respectively. IFR/La@DDP agents assign the PLA composite with excellent thermal stability and carbon-forming ability. Through the analysis of residual char, the synergistic flame retardant mechanism between IFR and La@DDP in PLA composite is discussed. Notably, the tensile strength and elongation at break of the PLA composites are only reduced by 4.03% and 9.51% compared to pure PLA. This work provides a novel lanthanum-based flame retardant agent for designing PLA composites with good fire safety and mechanical properties, and it will broaden the application range of PLA.     

An effective intumescent flame retardancy of LDPE induced by the combination of APP and CNCO‐HA

A char‐forming agent poly(4,6‐dichloro‐N‐hydroxyethyl?1,3,5‐triazin‐2‐amine‐1,6‐diaminohexane) (CNCO‐HA) containing triazine rings was chosen for improving the flame retardant of low density polyethylene (LDPE). The synergistic effect of CNCO‐HA and Ammonium polyphosphate (APP) on the flame retardancy and char‐forming behavior of LDPE were investigated. The limited oxygen index (LOI) and vertical burning test (UL‐94) results indicated the optimal weight ratio of APP to CNCO‐HA was 3:1, and the LOI value of composite reached 31.0% with 30% intumescent flame retardant (IFR) loading. The cone calorimeter test analysis revealed that IFR presented excellent char forming and smoke suppression ability, and resulted in the efficient decrease of combustibility parameters. The thermogravimetric analysis results demonstrated that IFR reduced the thermal degradation rate at main stage of degradation. Scanning electron microscopy observed that IFR promoted to form a compact and continuous intumescent char layer. The Laser Raman spectroscopy spectra showed that larger graphitization degree was formed to enhance the strength of char, and Fourier transform infrared results presented that P‐O‐C and P‐O‐P structures in the residue char were formed to improve shield performance of the char layer to obtain better flame retardant properties of the composite. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43950.     

Preparation of a chitosan‐based flame‐retardant synergist and its application in flame‐retardant polypropylene

A novel flame‐retardant synergist, chitosan/urea compound based phosphonic acid melamine salt (HUMCS), was synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ³¹P‐NMR. Subsequently, HUMCS was added to a fire‐retardant polypropylene (PP) compound containing an intumescent flame‐retardant (IFR) system to improve its flame‐retardant properties. The PP/IFR/HUMCS composites were characterized by limiting oxygen index (LOI) tests, vertical burning tests (UL‐94 tests), microscale combustion calorimetry tests, and thermogravimetric analysis to study the combustion behavior and thermal stability. The addition of 3 wt % HUMCS increased the LOI from 31.4 to 33.0. The addition of HUMCS at a low additive amount reduced the peak heat‐release rate, total heat release, and heat‐release capacity obviously. Furthermore, scanning electron micrographs of char residues revealed that HUMCS could prevent the IFR–PP composites from forming a dense and compact multicell char, which could effectively protect the substrate material from combusting. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40845.