Hardly Flammable Polyurethane Foams with 1,3-Pyrimidine Ring and Boron Atoms

Polymers (Basel). 2021 May 16;13(10):1603. doi: 10.3390/polym13101603.

Abstract

This work presents the results of research related to the determination of application possibilities of new oligoetherols with 1,3-pyrimidine rings and boron atoms in rigid polyurethane foam production. Oligoetherols were obtained from 1,3-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)uracil, boric acid, and ethylene carbonate. Their structure was determined by instrumental methods (IR, 1H-NMR and MALDI-ToF spectra) and the physicochemical and thermal properties were examined. Obtained oligoetherols were used for synthesis of polyurethane foams. Some properties of the foams, such as apparent density, water uptake, dimensions stability, thermal stability, compression strength, thermal conductivity, oxygen index, and horizontal burning were investigated. The introduction of boron atoms into the foam structure reduced their flammability, but unfortunately it had a negative effect on the water absorption of the obtained materials-the water absorption was higher compared to the boron-free foams. The obtained foams showed good thermal stability compared to classic, rigid polyurethane foams.

Keywords: 1,3-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)uracil; 1,3-pyrimidine ring; boric acid; ethylene carbonate; flammability; rigid polyurethane foams; thermal stability.