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Article | REF: AF6049 V1

Chemistry of the Combustion of Polymers and Fire Retardancy

Authors: Christelle VAGNER, Marianne COCHEZ, Henri VAHABI, Michel FERRIOL

Publication date: July 10, 2016, Review date: October 1, 2020

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ABSTRACT

Polymeric materials are used massively in many branches of industry. However, they burn easily because they carry a large combustible load. It is thus necessary to improve their fire behavior by adding fire-retarding compounds called flame retardants, the aim being to neutralize or delay combustion, and reduce smoke emission. After recalling the principal methods of synthesis of polymers, most of this article is devoted to the combustion of the polymers, in which the various processes concerned are detailed. Lastly the strategies for fire retardancy of these materials and the mechanisms of action of flame retardants are presented.

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AUTHORS

  • Christelle VAGNER: Senior Lecturer, Doctor of Chemistry-Physics - Photonic Optical Materials and Systems Laboratory EA 4423 - University of Lorraine/CentraleSupélec - MADIREL Laboratory UMR 7246, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France

  • Marianne COCHEZ: Senior Lecturer, Doctor of Materials Chemistry - Photonic Optical Materials and Systems Laboratory EA 4423 - University of Lorraine/CentraleSupélec, Metz, France

  • Henri VAHABI: Senior Lecturer, Doctor of Chemistry and Physics-Chemistry of Materials - Photonic Optical Materials and Systems Laboratory EA 4423 - University of Lorraine/CentraleSupélec, Metz, France

  • Michel FERRIOL: University Professor, Doctor of Science - Photonic Optical Materials and Systems Laboratory EA 4423 - University of Lorraine/CentraleSupélec, Metz, France

 INTRODUCTION

Polymeric materials have invaded our daily lives, but they are also increasingly used in high-tech applications (automotive, aeronautics, sporting goods, etc.). With their high carbon and hydrogen content, they are particularly combustible materials. In addition to direct damage to property, health and human life, fires can have significant repercussions in terms of sustainable development (total or partial destruction of infrastructures) and the environment (production and dissemination of toxic and/or corrosive compounds: carbon monoxide, dioxins, hydrogen cyanide, polycyclic aromatic compounds, etc.).

The aim of this article is to introduce engineers and technicians with a basic knowledge of chemistry to the various processes and mechanisms involved in the thermal decomposition and combustion of polymers, as well as the main solutions developed to provide them with enhanced fire resistance and, in the event of fire, better protection for people and property. The wide variety of polymeric materials used (copolymers, presence of additives or reinforcements, etc.) in terms of composition or form (fibers, foams, films, solids, etc.) means that it is not possible to develop universal solutions, and that each case requires specific adaptation and fine-tuning. That's why it's essential to understand all the chemical aspects of the issue and, in particular, the synthesis of these materials, which gives them such remarkable combinations of properties.

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KEYWORDS

polymers   |   flame retardants   |   ignifugation   |   thermal decomposition

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Polymer combustion chemistry and flame retardancy
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