Synthesis of novel brominated bis-tetrahydrophthalimides and bis-nadimides and their possible application as flame-retardant additives for polystyrene composites

Ten tetrabrominated bisimides of which eight were novel were tested as flame-retardant additives. They were prepared from corresponding bisimides by the addition of bromine. Structural properties and related thermal characteristics of these brominated compounds were determined, Flame-retardant properties of tetrabrominated bisimides were tested on high-impact polystyrene, containing various amounts of brominated bisimides, according to ASTM-D-3801, ''Standard Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Extinguishing Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical Position,'' and DIN-51960, ''Testing of Organic Floor Coverings Assessment of Flammability.'' It was observed that tetrabrominated bisimides had improved flame resistance of high-impact polystyrene. In addition, thermoxidative stability of novel three bisimides, 04, 14, and 05, were compared with the others. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.