Recent Advances in Bio-Based Flame Retardant Additives for Synthetic Polymeric Materials

Abstract

It would be difficult to imagine how modern life across the globe would operate in the absence of synthetic polymers. Although these materials (mostly in the form of plastics) have revolutionized our daily lives, there are consequences to their use, one of these being their high levels of flammability. For this reason, research into the development of flame retardant (FR) additives for these materials is of tremendous importance. However, many of the FRs prepared are problematic due to their negative impacts on human health and the environment. Furthermore, their preparations are neither green nor sustainable since they require typical organic synthetic processes that rely on fossil fuels. Because of this, the need to develop more sustainable and non-toxic options is vital. Many research groups have turned their attention to preparing new bio-based FR additives for synthetic polymers. This review explores some of the recent examples made in this field.

Flame Retardancy of Wood Fiber Materials Using Phosphorus-Modified Wheat Starch

“…In addition, extensive purification steps of the synthesis products and disposal of by-product streams make flame retardant production energy-intensive and costly. Therefore, to date there is no known commercially available flame retardant based on renewable raw materials, which can be produced and applied industrially [16]. A promising approach is the functionalization by phosphate/urea reaction systems [17,18].…”

Heavy metal free thermal stabilizing-flame retarding modifier for plasticized poly(vinyl chloride)

“…Therefore, the simple and optimum solution to improve the flame retarding and thermal resistance of polymers is adding additives. These additives can be used as fillers or coating layers depending on the application for which the material is used [30,31]. This improvement in flame retardation can be clearly seen in the second bar where the value of L.O.I of poly(vinyl chloride) was increased to 23.4% after adding 1 wt% Oxydtron.…”

Biomolecules as Flame Retardant Additives for Polymers: A Review

“…The present review intends to build upon a growing body of work, including an excellent recent review by Hobbs [35], which focuses on incorporation of tannic acid, phytic acid, isosorbide, diphenolic acid, DNA, lignin, and cyclodextrin as specific additives to polymers, whereas herein we present more of the historical technology of flame retardants as well the current state-of-the-art for bio-based additives grouped in broader material classes.…”