Robust Non-Toxic and Environmentally Friendly Replacements for PentaBDE, OctaBDE and Other Halogenated Fire Retardants

There is an immediate and pressing need to find nontoxic and environmentally friendly replacements for toxic flame retardants such as pentabromodiphenyl ether (pentaBDE), octabromodiphenyl ether (octaBDE), and other halogenated and toxic products. The objective of this research project is to introduce and demonstrate the robust performance and feasibility of a family of unique, nontoxic, and environmentally friendly “phosphorated” cellulosic polymer fire retardants (FRs) produced by Thermolose Cellulose Products, Inc. Utilization of these unique and patented polymer structures, trademarked under the name Thermolose™, provides robust and nontoxic alternatives to pentaBDE and octaBDE, as well as other halogenated and toxic fire retardants. Initial laboratory tests indicate that Thermolose™ polymers: (1) eliminate the need for flame retardants such as pentaBDE and octaBDE, while meeting or exceeding fire safety requirements; (2) show significant potential to replace pentaBDE in furniture foams; (3) show significant potential to replace octaBDE in plastics for personal computers and small appliances; and (4) have significant potential to replace brominated FRs in wood, metal, and other building material applications. Thermolose™ polymers are nontoxic, contain no forms of bromine or halogens, and are easily recycled. These polymers can be used as a coating, mixed into existing products, and integrated into existing products or systems at the molecular level. Thermolose™ polymers have demonstrated the following properties: (1) robust fire-retardant properties (including very aggressive limiting of fire spread and fire growth, high thermal impedance, low/no toxicity, minimal/no volatile organic compound generation, minimal/no generation of toxic combustion byproducts, and formation of mechanically strong char layers/fire barriers); (2) environmentally friendly in all respects; (3) cost-effectiveness; (4) light weight; (5) thermal and acoustical insulation properties; (6) easy to use/apply; and (7) low maintenance and easy to repair. Thermolose™ and Thermolose™ hybrid polymers (both interspecies and intraspecies) utilize cellulose to provide mechanically strong crosslinked polymer structures that exhibit high resistance to heat and flame exposure. When exposed to heat or direct flame, Thermolose™ polymers will not sustain a flame and will form a highly mechanically stable char layer that increases the thermal impedance polymer film and provides further structural protection against fire and heat damage. Initial laboratory tests show robust performance at temperatures above 2,000°F. These polymers can be used as stand-alone products or be utilized with, on, or in wood, metal, various plastics, textiles, fibers, and composite structures.