Rethinking the pathway to sustainable fire retardants

Abstract

Flame retardants are currently used in a wide range of industry sectors for saving lives and property by mitigating fire hazards. The growing fire safety requirements for materials boost an escalating demand for consumption of fire retardants. This has significantly driven both the industry and scientific community to pursue sustainable fire retardants, but what makes a sustainable flame retardant? Here an overview of recent advances in sustainable flame retardants is offered, and their renewable raw materials, green synthesis and life cycle assessments are highlighted. A discussion on key challenges that hinder the innovation of fire retardants and design principles for creating truly sustainable yet cost‐effective fire retardants are also presented. This short work is expected to help drive the development of sustainable, cost‐effective fire retardants, and expedite the creation of a more sustainable and safer society.

Polyurethane Foam with High-Efficiency Flame Retardant, Heat Insulation, and Sound Absorption Modified By Phosphorus-Containing Graphene Oxide

“…), when used at the micrometer or nanoscale, often demand high dosages. This high dosage frequently leads to issues such as diminished compatibility with the substrate and a decline in the mechanical properties of the substrate. − Graphene oxide (GO), renowned for its exceptional mechanical strength, catalytic activity, and physicochemical properties, emerges as a filler capable of effectively addressing the challenges of noise reduction, sound absorption, flame retardancy, and smoke suppression in materials . The incorporation of GO into a matrix can notably enhance performance without the need for substantial additions. , …”

High electromagnetic wave absorption and flame retardancy performance from NF@HCS/NF-filled epoxy-based electronic packaging material

“…, cellulose, lignin, phytic acid and algin as starting materials), thus lacking applications for electronic packaging. 14,15 As electronic packaging materials, EP-based materials are required to presume low viscosity for efficient potting, high electrical resistance to prevent voltage breakdown, and flame retardancy against thermal runaway. Compared to the 1D/2D/3D carbon-based materials, alternatively, hollow carbon spheres (HCS) possess not only proper fluidity needed in packaging materials but also high capabilities of EMW attenuation owing to their large inner surface areas.…”

Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel DOPO-Based Flame Retardant Intermediate and Its Flame Retardancy as a Polystyrene Intrinsic Flame Retardant

“…However, polystyrene is easy to burn when heated, which will release toxic gases and a large amount of smoke, and can melt, drip, and flow in the combustion process, thus making the fire spread. Therefore, it is imperative to improve the flame retardant performance of polystyrene. − According to the flame retardant system, it mainly includes mineral flame retardant, halogen flame retardant, phosphorus flame retardant, silicone flame retardant, biobased flame retardant, and so on. − Among them, halogen flame retardants are all the rage, but they are prohibited because of their toxicity and bioaccumulation. ,,− Phosphorus flame retardants have attracted much attention because of their excellent flame retardant efficiency and environmental friendliness, and have gradually become one of the research hotspots in today’s society. ,,,− Phosphorus flame retardants mainly include ammonium polyphosphate, aluminum hypophosphite, 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene 10-oxide (DOPO) and its derivatives. ,,,, Phosphorus flame retardants will produce phosphoric acid or similar substances during thermal degradation, which can inhibit the combustion process of the condensed phase. In addition, PO · radicals produced by phosphorus flame retardants have a gas phase flame retardant effect. ,, …”