Salen type copper (II) complexes as flame retardants for PVC sheets

Salen type copper (II) complexes have been synthesized by the reaction of salicylaldehyde, 5-bromosalicylaldehyde and 3,5-dibromosalicylaldehyde with ethylenediamine and copper(II) acetate monohydrate. The synthesized complexes were used in poly(vinyl)chloride (PVC) formulations and examined for flame retardant properties. The casted sheets were analyzed through simultaneous TGA and DTA thermal techniques. The combustion points of PVC sheets with Br0, Br1 and Br2 complexes were determined and found higher by 9.43, 10.67 and 6.03 ºC, respectively, in comparison to control sample. Furthermore, the mass spectrometry results suggest that bromine substituted copper (II) complexes are environmentally safe and can be used as effective flame retardants in PVC formulations. The casted PVC sheets may find applications as fire retardant polymers in cables, panels, doors, windows, furniture etc.