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Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology

Flame Retardants: An Overview

Standard Article

Richard G. Gann¹ and Jeffrey W. Gilman¹

¹Fire Research Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology

Published 2003 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America where 2003 is the copyright year.

DOI: 10.1002/0471238961.1522051807011414.a01.pub2
Article Online Posting Date: July 18, 2003

Abstract | Full Text: PDF (81K)

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Abstract

Flame retardant additives are ubiquitous in commercial products. They reduce fire losses by decreasing the likelihood of ignition and the rate of heat release of the products in which they are compounded. This article outlines the definition, applications, and functions of fire retardant additives. It also presents the classes of these chemicals and their market presence and risks.

Keywords: fire; fire retardant; flame retardant; fire safety