Nano Structured Flame Retardant Replacement for Pentabde

Unregulated dioxin-like polybrominated diphenyl ether - PBDE, in particular PentaBDE commonly used as a fire retardants in furniture foam and plastic consumer goods are spreading rapidly in the environment with levels in the human system doubling every 5 years. While many European countries have already banned the use of PentaDBE in foams, there is a growing public demand in the USA to replace this chemical with more environmentally benign flame retardants. In this Phase I effort, Materials Modifications, Inc. proposes to employ the principles of Nanotechnology to prepare a potent halogen-free, fire retardant additive that may be added to thermosetting plastics and foams to impart fire resistance to them, without affecting the plastics inherent properties. MMI¿s in-house experience and expertise with nanomaterials will be employed in preparing the nano-hybrid composite and Phase I will prove the ability of the fire retardant additive in conferring fire resistance to Polyurethane. The nano-hybrid fire resistant additive proposed will server to overcome the shortcomings of existing materials such as toxic/halogenated compounds and chemical that require high loading. The proposed synergy of nano-chemistry and coating technology will unleash a plethora of new applications in addition to fine-tuning the existing expertise in the fields of fire management and control.