Thermal decomposition of polymer mixtures of PVC, PET and ABS containing brominated flame retardant: Formation of chlorinated and brominated organic compounds

► The ABS, PET, PVC and brominated epoxy flame retardant influence the decomposition of each other. ► A series of brominated, chlorinated and both chlorinated and brominated phenols and bisphenol A molecules forms if both PVC and brominated epoxy oligomer flame retardant are present in the mixture. ► The PET decomposition radicals are ready to stabilize with both Cl or Br radical in the presence of PVC or brominated epoxy flame retardant. ► The brominated epoxy flame retardant and Sb2O3 synergyst initiates the decomposition of ABS, this effect intensifies in the presence of PET.