Description:
Invention Summary
The invention combines nitrogen and phosphorous to make an excellent class of intrinsically fire retardant polymers. Polymers are large molecules composed of many similar smaller molecules linked together, and are commonly used in various products due to their tunable mechanical properties and ease of processing. Fire retardant polymers are resistant to degradation at high temperatures, and find application as adhesives in aerospace materials, insulation for electronics, and in military materials such as canvas tenting.
Market Opportunity
The development of fire resistant polymers that can be produced and utilized safely is of commercial interest. Common polymers are highly combustible, and produce toxic gases and smoke during combustion. In recent years, regulations have asked for significantly improved fire performance of materials used in construction, transportation and clothing. At the same time, some popular fire resistant compounds containing bromine or chlorine are being phased out due to their detrimental effects on health and the environment during combustion.
Features & Benefits
• Intrinsically fire retardant polymers with high char yields and low flammability.
• The main-chain ionic polymers carry positive nitrogen along the backbone of the polymer chains. They contain triphenyl phosphine oxide moieties along the polymer backbones. Common polymers can be highly combustible and can produce toxic gases and smoke during combustion. One common way to make polymers more resistant to combustion is to include flame retardant additives in a polymer. Flame retardant additives such as polychlorinated biphenyls and brominated flame retardants, however, can pose certain health concerns.
Intellectual Property Patent filed