Formation and characterization of an inclusion complex of triphenyl phosphate and β-cyclodextrin and its use as a flame retardant for polyethylene terephthalate

摘要

Triphenyl phosphate (TPP) is widely used as a flame retardant (FR). However, recent studies have indicated that FRs like TPP can be detected in household dust and wildlife and could contribute to obesity and osteoporosis in humans. We hypothesize that the formation of an inclusion complex (IC) between TPP and β-cyclodextrin (P-CD) will reduce its toxicological effects, while retaining the flame retarding properties of TPP, since the formation of FR-CD-ICs is expected to eliminate unnecessary loss of FRs, especially volatile FR compounds like TPP, and release them only during a fire when they are actually needed. After creating the TPP-β-CD-IC, we applied it to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films by a hot press technique. Untreated PET films, as well as PET films embedded with uncomplexed β-CD and TPP, were prepared in the same way and had comparable thicknesses. Flame tests were conducted for all film samples by following a modified ASTM D 6413 standard. TPP-β-CD-IC exhibited flame resistant performance matching that of neat TPP, even though much less TPP was contained in its β-CD-IC. Incorporation of FRs and other chemical additives into textile substrates in the form of their crystalline CD-ICs is a promising way to reduce the exposure of hazardous chemicals to humans and to our environment while not impacting their efficacy.