Flame‐retardant poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Abstract

Abstract Poly(ethylene terephthalate) containing hexabromobenzene, tricresyl phosphate, or a combination of triphenyl phosphate and hexabromobenzene, pentabromotoluene, or octabromobiphenyl was extruded or spun at 280°C into monofilaments or low‐denier yarn, respectively. Only combinations of the phosphorus‐ and halogen‐containing compounds resulted in flame‐retardant poly(ethylene terephthalate) systems, without depreciating their degree of luster and color quality. The melting temperature, the reduced viscosity, and the thermal stability above 400°C of these flame‐retardant systems were in most cases comparable to those of poly(ethylene terephthalate) itself. Phosphorus‐bromine synergism was proposed with flame inhibition occurring mostly in the gas phase.