Recommendations on the scientific approach to polymer flame retardancy: Part 2—Concepts

The usage of concepts in scientific communication is critical to our ability to inform the reader about work that has been performed. The significance and thus the quality of scientific discussion rely on the precise use of concepts. In this second part of a two-part paper, concerning the scientific basis of polymer fire retardancy, the proper use of concepts is addressed. Distinct concepts in flame retardancy are discussed, such as fire residue, the correlation of fire performance with char yield according to van Krevelen, catalysis, and wicking. Synergy is discussed in detail, as well as approaches to quantify it, due to its importance for flame retardant polymers. The preceding first paper (part 1) discussed the proper use of scientific terms, thermal analysis, and fire testing. Thus, together these two papers support the community by offering recommendations and addressing some of the most relevant points. They encourage to review scientific practice in the field of flame retardancy of polymers.