CO2 Based Halogen-Free Flame Retardant UV Cured Polyurethane Acrylate

A series of nonhalogen UV-curable polyurethane acrylates (PUA) were synthesized using polyethylene carbonate diol (PECD), isophorone diisocyanate, hydroxyethyl acrylate, a reactive phosphorus-containing acrylate, and pentaerythritol triacrylate. The flame retardancy, mechanical properties, hardness, abrasion resistance, and solvent absorption of the PECD-based UV-cured polyurethane were systematically studied and compared to polyester and polyether-based analogues. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed successful PECD-PUA synthesis. Results demonstrate the PECD confers superior flame retardancy compared to conventional petroleum-based materials, achieving a limiting oxygen index of 28.2% and UL-94 5VB rating, alongside excellent comprehensive performance: tensile strength of 15.56 MPa, pencil hardness of 6H, abrasion loss of 0.52%, and strong adhesion (Grade 3). This work presents a green strategy for synthesizing high-performance, environmentally friendly polyurethanes, reducing reliance on petroleum resources. Graphical This study successfully synthesized halogen-free UV cured CO 2 -polyurethane acrylate (PUA) using PECD, IPDI, HEA, and phosphorus containing acrylate, and compared it with polyester and polyether polyurethane acrylate. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the successful synthesis of PECD-PUA. Results demonstrate that PECD-based polyurethane exhibits exceptional flame retardancy, thermal stability, mechanical performance, and coating properties. In summary, PECD-based halogen-free UV-curable flame-retardant polyurethane demonstrates outstanding multifunctional properties, positioning it as a promising candidate for eco-friendly, high-performance polymer.