For most applications polymeric materials must be flame retarded. This is most often accomplished by the introduction of an additive during processing. Less often a comonomer containing flame-retarding units may be incorporated into the polymer. Organohalogen compounds, particularly brominated aromatics, have been the most widely used flame retardants. However, these compounds are under increasing regulatory pressure because of their persistance in the environment, tendency to bioaccumulate, and potential negative health effects. As a consequence there is intense interest in the development of alternatives, usually phosphorus-based, to these compounds. Ideally, these newer compounds should have all the positive atributes of the materials to be replaced with none of the toxicity concerns. It is desirable that the new materials be as � green � as possible, i.e., based on a nontoxic, renewable biosource and be degradable to innocous products in the environment. Tartaric acid, a renewable, edible by-product of wine production may serve as a base for a family of environmentally-friendly phosphorus flame retardants.

Biosourced monomers for the generation of oligomeric phosphorus flame retardants

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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