Thermal decomposition of flame retardant polymers

Most of polymeric materials exhibit high flammability, owing to their chemical composition and thermal stability. During their combustion, polymer-based products release smoke, melt drips, heat, and toxic species, which cause image damage to human life, natural environment, and materials surrounding them. The decomposition pathway of polymers strongly depends on their chemical structure, which may collapse generating large amounts of flammable volatiles and some residues. Over the years, the use of different flame retardant systems (e.g., functional additives, nanotechnology) and strategies (e.g., intumescence, plasma treatment) have been used to improve the fire performances of polymers and to fulfil requirements of the industry, without compromising other properties. Such flame retardant additives may have a strong influence on the thermal decomposition of polymers. Accelerated decomposition, and altering of pathways of decomposition to form char or flammable and nonflammable volatiles are some outcomes of such interactions. This chapter briefly outlines the characteristics related to the decomposition behavior of most common polymeric materials, with a special focus on their flame retardation and potential usage on the market.