Flame retardant polymer composites

In this review article, different approaches of enhancing flame retardancy of polymeric composite material and their effect on different composite properties are analysed critically. The mechanisms of fire spreading on composite materials are also discussed. Flame retardancy of polymeric composite material can be enhanced either by enhancing the fire performance of constituents of composite i.e. matrices and reinforcing agents or by providing a protective flame retardant (FR) coating around the composite material. Fire performance of reinforcing material is improved by treating with FR-chemicals while the fire performance of polymer matrices can be improved by incorporating micro and nano FR-fillers or by introducing FR-compound into polymer backbone. The flammability of micro and nano filler added polymeric composites and newly developed polymer derivatives and their effect on composite properties like mechanical, thermal have been discussed. However, the development of flame retardant polymer composite is still at nascent stage and for further development, it is necessary to work on the development of non-health hazardous, environment friendly flame retarding agents which will be able to enhance the fire performance of composite materials at very low concentration levels.