Environmental, Health, and Legislation Considerations for Rational Design of Nonreactive Flame-Retardant Additives for Polymeric Materials: Future Perspectives

Increasing polymer usage has demanded functional additives that decrease fire hazards for end users. While traditional flame-retardant (FR) additives, such as halogenated, phosphorus, and metal hydroxides, greatly reduce flammability and associated fire hazards, research has continually exposed a litany of health and environmental safety concerns. This perspective aims to identify the key components of a successful FR additive and address material, environmental, and health concerns of existing additives. Legislation surrounding FRs and persistent organic pollutants is also discussed to highlight political perception that has resulted in the increased chemical regulations and subsequent banning of FR additives. Finally, future directions of this field regarding nonreactive additives, focusing on the use of bioinspired materials and transition metal chemistries to produce alternatives for polymers with efficacies surpassing traditional additives are presented.

Automated summary

The increasing use of polymers requires functional additives that can reduce fire hazards. However, traditional flame-retardant additives have raised concerns regarding health and environmental safety. This perspective focuses on identifying the key components of successful flame-retardant additives, addressing existing material, environmental, and health issues. The legislation surrounding flame retardants and persistent organic pollutants is also discussed, along with future directions for nonreactive additives.