Investigation of the Effects of Phosphate-Containing Flame-Retardant Chemicals on Particleboards Produced Using Urea–Formaldehyde Resin

In this study, urea-formaldehyde resins containing different phosphate-based flame retardants (FRs) were prepared to produce wood-based panels (medium-density fiberboard, particleboard, and veneer board), and their flammability properties were investigated. The changes in the gelation times were investigated when the phosphate-containing FRs used in different amounts were mixed with the resin. Chemicals that have both hardener and flame-retardant properties at the same time have been studied. In addition, the pH and thermal analyses of the resin and flame-retardant mixtures prepared in this study were performed by a pH meter and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. The limiting oxygen index, UL-94 vertical burning, and cone calorimetry tests on the samples with the best combustion characteristics were carried out by sizing the particleboards in accordance with the standards and applying the prepared flame-retardant resins on them. The distribution of flame-retardant resin on the particleboard surface was investigated for the samples prepared by scanning electron microscopy. As a result of the analyses, it was determined that the samples containing 20% ammonium polyphosphate had good nonflammability properties.