Cellulose flame retardation, reaction mechanism

Condensed-Phase Mechanisms. The mode of action of phosphorus-based flame retardants in cellulnsic sy stems is probably best understood. Cellulose decomposes by a noncalalyzed route lo tarry depolymerization products, notably levoglucosan, which then decomposes to volatile combustible fragments such as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and hydrocarbons. However, when catalyzed by acids, the decomposition of cellulose proceeds primarily as an endothermic dehydration of the carbohydrate to water vapor and char. Phosphoric acid is particularly efficaceous in this catalytic role because of its low volatility (see Phosphoric Acids and Phosphales). Also, when strongly heated, phosphoric acid yields polyphosphoric acid which is even more effective in catalyzing the cellulose dehydration reaction. The flame-retardanl action is believed to proceed by way of initial phosphory lation of the cellulose. 

Figure 6.21. Reaction mechanism for flame retardation of cellulose impregnated with phosphoric acid (Jagtoyen and Derbyshire, 1998).

The most widely accepted theory of the mechanism of fire-retardant chemicals in reducing flaming combustion of wood is that the chemicals alter the pyrolysis reactions with formation of less flammable gases and tars and more char and water (4,5,8,21,24-29). Some fire retardants start and end the chemical decomposition at lower temperatures. Heat of combustion of the volatiles is reduced. Shafizadeh (21) suggests that a primary function of fire retardants is to promote dehydration and charring of cellulose. 

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