Flame Retardant Polymers

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Low Cost Flame Retardant Polymers from Low Cost Olefinic Comonomers Tech ID: UA22-044 Invention: This technology is an approach to using sulfenyl-halide polymerization with olefinic comonomers to prepare a new class of intrinsically flame-retardant polymers for the production of a wide range of thermoplastics, thermoplastic elastomers, and thermoset materials. Materials prepared with this technology have afforded a V0 UL-94V flame retardancy rating and have attractive properties for processing and thermal stability.   Background: Synthetic organic plastics are a critical class of material in modern day society due to their low cost, excellent thermomechanical properties, and wide fields of use. However, these materials are extremely flammable and are often placed in areas near ignitable sources that can exacerbate the potential problem. This problem is typically solved with the introduction of small molecule flame retardant additives, including halogenated or phosphorous based compounds. These compounds are effective in fire mitigation; however, these flame retardant agents have been under scrutiny and regulation concerns over their toxicity.  Drawbacks to existing options include toxicity in use and in the environment, cost, and/or compromises in product requirements or performance.