Abstract

Polyphosphazene elastomers are phenolic or fluoroalkoxy substituted polymers with a backbone of alternating phosphorus and nitrogen atoms. They have a number of advantages due to the flexibility of the backbone and its inertness. Fluoroalkoxyphosphazenes have found utility in applications requiring low temperature flexibility, oil resistance, and stability to 150–175C. Damping properties have also proven useful. Aryloxyphosphazenes are nonflammable without containing halogens. This has led to applications requiring extreme fire safety. This article discusses these properties and the resulting uses of these materials. Background information is provided on the synthesis routes to these elastomers and related compounds. Toxicology is briefly mentioned, and limited references are also provided to other application areas of phosphazene derivatives.