Iowa State University has obtained 2.5 million US$ funding from the US Department of Energy to develop a process to identify biologically-derived molecules which can lead to new flame retardant or anti-corrosion chemicals. The objective is establish a several stage process: assess scientific literature to identify which chemical structures bring flame retardant properties, model these structures, develop a library of relevant chemicals/structures, identify similar biological molecules, synthesise and test candidate chemicals. The scientists believe that this will open new possibilities, through biobased chemical structures which are not accessible via petro-chemistry.
“Researchers to Develop Renewable Flame-retardant Chemicals with Million Dollar Grant”, SpecialChem, 24 October 2018 https://polymer-additives.specialchem.com/news/industry-news/researchers-flame-retardant-chemicals-grant-000216245