Neutralized flame retardant phosphorus agent: Facile synthesis, reaction to fire in PP and synergy with zinc borate

A neutralized intumescent fire retardant (NIFR) has been synthesized in one step and one pot using a simple, novel and safe protocol. The fire retardant efficiency of the NIFR in polypropylene (PP) has been evaluated using usual fire testing methods. The results show that the NIFR is very effective. Moreover, we demonstrate that zinc borate exhibits a synergistic effect on fire retardant properties and apparently prevents migration of the additives through the polymer matrix. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.