Ecole des Mines d’Alès
Rodolphe Sonnier, Ecole des Mines d’Alès, presented studies developing phosphorus-based PIN flame retardants for use in bio-sourced PLA (poly lactic acid). The effects vary depending on how the phosphorus atom is integrated into the chemical structure. In particular, the capacity of phosphorus to inhibit polymer degradation in case of fire depends on whether the phosphorus atom is in the polymer backbone or in side groups. To date, it is has not been possible to model this. Designing phosphorus containing polymer flame retardants is therefore complex.