Aluminum diethyl phosphinate is a chemical compound consisting of aluminum, phosphorus and oxygen. It is a chemical compound with formula Al(C4H10O2P)3. It decomposes above 300 °C. It is a new efficient halogen-free flame retardant based on organic phosphinates. This product has high phosphorus content, excellent thermal stability, and insoluble in water and common organic solvents.
It is commonly used as a flame retardant and plastic stabilizer in the manufacture of various polymer materials. The exact properties and applications of this compound may vary depending on the specific preparation and conditions under which it is used.
Properties
It is a chemical compound composed of aluminum, diethyl, and phosphinate. It is a colorless, flammable liquid that is used in the synthesis of various organic compounds, including plasticizers, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. The exact use and properties of aluminum diethyl phosphinate may vary depending on the specific application.
- Chemical formula: ((C2H5)2PO2)3Al
- Molar mass: 390.3 g/mol
- Appearance: White powder
- Density: 1.35 g/cm3, solid
- Melting point: Decomposes, see text
- Solubility in water: 2000 mg/L at 25°C
In the family of dialkyl phosphinic acid salts, aluminium diethyl phosphinate has been found to be an excellent flame retardant for use in engineering plastics such as polyamides, polyesters, thermosets and elastomers. It was developed by Hoechst, later by Clariant Chemicals and Ticona. In 2004 and 2012, Clariant chemicals opened its first and second commercial production lines respectively in Huerth-Knapsack near Cologne.
Reaction
In the condensed phase, aluminium diethyl phosphinate acts as a flame retardant, contributing to charring of the polymer matrix and thus protecting the substrate from heat and oxygen attack. In the gas phase, it acts by radical reactions to remove the high energy radicals H. and OH. from the combustion zone, which determine flame propagation and heat release.
Applications
Aluminium diethyl phosphinate is used as a halogen-free flame retardant in polyamides, polyesters, thermoset resins (e.g. epoxies), and structural and housing components in electrical engineering and electronics (E&E). The product can be found in a variety of products, including smartphones, washing machines, and airplane parts.
Other applications include thermosetting resins and adhesives, as well as thermoplastic elastomer cable sheaths and insulation. Aluminium diethyl phosphinate can give these plastics flame retardant properties that would otherwise require expensive high-performance plastics that are more difficult to work with. Aluminium diethyl phosphinate is frequently used in conjunction with halogen-free flame retardant additives such as melamine polyphosphate or melamine cyanurate.
