Red Phosphorus

red phosphorus may be formed by heating white phosphorus to 300 °c (572 °f) in the absence of air or by exposing white phosphorus to sunlight. Red phosphorus exists as an amorphousnetwork. Upon further heating, the amorphous red phosphorus crystallizes. Red phosphorus does not ignite in air at temperatures below 240 °c (464 °f), whereas pieces of white phosphorus ignite at about 30 °c (86 °f). Ignition is spontaneous at room temperature with finely divided material. Heating red phosphorus in the presence of moisture creates phosphine gas, which is both highly flammable and toxic.

applications

red phosphorus can be used as a very effective flame retardant, especially in thermoplastics (e.g. Polyamide) and thermosets (e.g. Epoxy resins or polyurethanes). The flame retarding effect is based on the formation of polyphosphoric acid. Together with the organic polymer material, this acid creates a char which prevents the propagation of the flames. The safety risks associated with phosphine generation and friction sensitivity of red phosphorus can be effectively reduced by stabilization and micro-encapsulation. For easier handling, red phosphorus is often used in form of dispersions or masterbatches in various carrier systems.