Development of additives possessing both solid-phase and gas-phase flame retardant activities

Effective additives are required to impart a measure of fire retardancy to polymeric materials used in a variety of applications. Traditionally, these have been gas-phase active additives, most commonly organohalogen compounds or solid-phase active agents, often organophosphorus compounds. Organosphosphorus flame retardants are often very effective but may suffer from a cost disadvantage when compared with their organobromine counterparts. Organohalogen flame retardants are usually quite effective but their use is a subject to several environmental concerns. The development of additives that could simultaneously promote both types of fire retardant action could make available flame retardants that are both more cost effective and more environmentally friendly than those currently in use. Several sets of compounds with the potential to display both solid-phase and gas-phase flame retardant activities have been prepared and evaluated.