Robust Non-Toxic and Environmentally Friendly Repladcements for PentaBDE, OctaBDE and Other Halogenated Fire Retardanats

There is an immediate and pressing need to find non-toxic and environmentally friendly replacements for toxic flame-retardants such as pentabromodiphenyl ether (pentaBDE), octaBDE, and other halogenated and toxic products. The objective of this proposal is to introduce and demonstreate the robust performance and feasibility of a family of unique non-toxic and environmetnally friendly "phosphorated" cellulosic polyer fire retardants (F/R's) produced by Thermolose Cellulose Products, Inc. (TCP). Utiliztion of these unique and patented polymer structures, trademarked under name of Thermolose(TM), provides robust and non-toxic alternative to pentaBDE. octaBDE as well as other halogenated and toxic fire retardants. Initial laboratory test indicate that Thermolose(TM) polymers: Eliminate the need for flame-retardants such as pentaBDE and ictaBde, while meeting o rexceeding fire safety requirement. Show significant potential to replace pentaBDE in furniture foams. Show signivicant potential to replace octaBDE in plastics for personal computers and small appliances. Show significant potentail to replace brominated F/R's in wood, metal and other building material applications. Thermolose(TM) polymers are: Non-Toxic, Contain no forms of bromine of halogens, Are easily recycled. These polymers can be sued as: a coating, mixed into existing products, or integrated into existing products or systems at the molecular level. Thermolose(TM) polymers have demonstrated the following properties: 1. Robust fire retandant properties including - a. Very aggressive limiting of fire spread; b. Very aggressive limiting of fire growth; c. High theraml impedance; d. Low/no toxicity; e. Minimal/no Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) generation; f. Minimal/no generation of toxic combustion by-products; g. Formatiion of mechanically strong char layer/fire barrier. 2. Environmentally friendly in all respects, 3. Cost-effective, 4. Light-weight, 5. Thermal and acoustical insulation properties, 6. Easy to use/apply, 7. Low maintenance and easy to repair. Thermolose(TM) and Thermolose(TM) hybrid polymers (both inter-species and intra-species) utilize cellulose to provide mechanically strong cross-linked polymer structures that exhibit high resistance to heat and flame exposures When exposed to heat or direct flame, Themolose(TM) polymers will not sustain flame and forms 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 test show robust performance at temperatures above 2,000degrees 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.