Polymer Combustion Processes. 3. Flame Retardants for Polymeric Materials

Abstract

The nature and function of flame retardants for polymeric materials is discussed in this review of polymer combustion processes. The phenomenon of combustion is explained, together with the nature of the mechanism of retardation of combustion. Types of agents used to retard the combustion of polymers are discussed, and include metal hydroxides, organic halogen compounds, phosphorous compounds, and antimony trioxide synergists. Synergism is also described in a nitrogen/phosphorous and phosphorous/halogen system.