New developments in flame retardancy of styrene thermoplastics and foams

This review provides an insight into new developments in flame retardancy of the broad class of styrenic polymers but mostly focuses on commercially important styrene thermoplastics, on some blends based on polystyrene as well as on polystyrene foams. Although halogen-based systems continue to dominate in flame retardancy of styrenic polymers, various alternative systems are being developed. Especially, activity is observed with phosphorus-based flame retardants, where some systems are already commercially available. There is also significant activity with nanocomposites, where good results in retarding flame spread have been achieved, but the problem of ignition resistance has not been solved yet. Critical discussion of various flame-retardant systems developed for styrenics is given. (c) 2007 Society of Chemical Industry.