The Future of Flame Retardants

Top Three Discoveries in Flame Retardants
Flame retardants are a key component in reducing the devastating impact of fires on people, property, and the environment. The term “flame retardant” refers to a function, not a family of chemicals. A variety of different chemicals, with different properties and structures, act as flame retardants and these chemicals are often combined for effectiveness. Traditionally, the most common elements in flame retardants are bromine, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Inorganic compounds, either alone or as part of a flame retardant system, are also used.
Recent years have seen the emergence of green flame retardants such as Turning Star's Flame Guardian, an eco-friendly, halogen-free, and 0% VOC product. Now, scientists and students point to three areas of promising research using sound waves, caseins, and bio-coatings that could potentially change the flame retardant industry.