Reducing Flammability of Polymers by Enhancing Char Formation. Final Report.

Published

March 1, 2012

Author(s)

T Kashiwagi

Abstract

One weak aspect of synthetic polymer materials compared with steel and other metals is that these materials are combustible under certain conditions. Thus, the majority of polymer containing end products must pass some type of regulatory test to assure public safety from fire. Although halogenated flame retardants are highly effective for reducing heat release rates of commodity polymers, the future use of some of these retardants is becoming highly questionable in Europe and possibly worldwide. Therefore, new, highly effective flame retardants are urgently needed as a possible alternative to conventional halogenated flame retardants. The main objective of this research is to apply combined effects of a catalyst in a clay-based polymer nanocomposite to enhance formation of char from a resin to form a protective layer consisting of char enhanced clay network during burning.

Citation

Grant/Contract Reports (NISTGCR) - 12-964

Report Number

12-964

NIST Pub Series

Grant/Contract Reports (NISTGCR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

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Keywords

char formation, conventional halogenated flame retardants, heat release rate, polymer nanocomposite

Citation

Kashiwagi, T. (2012), Reducing Flammability of Polymers by Enhancing Char Formation. Final Report., Grant/Contract Reports (NISTGCR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=910950 (Accessed October 10, 2025)