Effects of ageing on the fire behaviour of flame-retarded polymers: a review

Abstract

International audienceThe influence of environmental ageing on the reaction to fire of flame-retarded polymers is reviewed. Six types of stimuli have been identified as the most relevant parameters inducing fire behaviour modification: temperature, moisture, UV radiation, ionizing radiation, chemical solvent and physical stress. This review provides a state of the art and current comprehension of the effects of ageing on flame retardancy of polymers. Various physical and chemical phenomena lead to ageing and deterioration (or sometimes improvement) of the flame retardancy of polymers: release of additives (not only flame retardants) through thermal migration, solubilization, abrasion, etc., chemical degradation of the flame-retardant system, and chemical or physical modification of the polymer structure (chain scission, crosslinking, diffusion of water, etc.). Obviously, ageing effects strongly depend on the material and the ageing scenario considered. Solutions to maintain flame-retardant efficiency in aggressive conditions are also presented

Influence of aging conditions on the mechanical properties and flame retardancy of HIPS composites

“…Various environments can impair the mechanical properties and flame retardancy throughout the lifetime of a material. 16 Aging conditions include light, temperature, water, chemistry, radiation, and physical stress aging. [17][18][19][20][21][22] These aging conditions may cause breaking of the polymer chains, produce free radicals, reduce the molecular weight, and even cause deterioration of mechanical properties and lead to useless materials after an unpredictable amount of time.…”

From a bio-based phosphorus-containing epoxy monomer to fully bio-based flame-retardant thermosets

“…23,24 In this latter case, ame retardant species are covalently bonded to the polymer chain what inhibits their mobility within the polymer network and maintains their efficiency over the time. 23,24 In this latter case, ame retardant species are covalently bonded to the polymer chain what inhibits their mobility within the polymer network and maintains their efficiency over the time.…”

Phosphorus‐containing polyamide Mg(OH)2 nanocomposite coating on surface of poly(vinyl chloride) thin film: Study on thermal stability, flammability, and mechanical properties

“…Literature reports have shown that there are various methods to improve thermal stability of PVC such as adding thermal stable additives or coating by nanoparticles and thin‐layer organic polymers for improving PVC thermal stability and preventing the HCl elimination 4 . Also, PVC coated with flame retardant materials has commonly used for textiles due to its ability to provide resistance against weathering as well as adequate flame retardancy for long time under undesirable environmental conditions 5 …”