Research team
Design, synthesis, and evaluation of three classes of BN-containing flame retardants.
Abstract
Flame retardants (FRs) are essential polymer additives that reduce fire-related safety and health risks. However, many widely used industrial FRs, particularly halogen- and phosphorus-based systems, are increasingly associated with toxicity and environmental concerns. As a result, research is shifting towards alternative chemical elements that combine effective flame retardancy with improved safety. Boron is a promising candidate, though the development of thermally stable organic boron compounds remains challenging. This project investigates three families of B,N-containing structures as FR candidates, i.e. IDA (iminodiacetic acid), DEA (diethanolamine), and EIA (ethanoliminoacetic acid) boronates, prepared from the corresponding N-containing ligands and boronic acids. These N-containing ligands are not commercially available and are typically synthesized via methods involving significant safety risks. To address this, the project will develop a safer, sustainable synthetic route based on the hydrogen borrowing methodology. The resulting B,N-FRs will be evaluated for FR performance as neat additives and in polymer matrices, and compared with industrial benchmarks. Top-performing materials will undergo preliminary eco- and genotoxicity testing, as well as end-of-life and life cycle assessment. The ultimate goal is to identify efficient, non-toxic B,N-containing FRs with improved safety and sustainability.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Vroemans Robby
- Fellow: Mahmoudi Armin
Research team(s)
Funding
- FWO
- FWO
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Synthesis and testing of di- and trimer B,N-containing flame retardant candidates.
Abstract
Flame retardants are a crucial class of polymer additives used to reduce the safety and health risks associated with fires. However, the industrially used flame retardants, particularly halogen- and phosphorus-based ones, are increasingly associated with severe toxicity concerns. As a result, current research is moving away from these conventional flame retardants and focuses on alternative chemical elements with flame retardant properties and reduced toxicity. Among these, boron is particularly promising. However, there is an ongoing need to find more thermally stable organic boron compounds. This project aims to synthesize two classes of boron- and nitrogen-containing di- and trimer compounds as flame retardant candidates to increase the number of flame retardant moieties within a single molecule. These di- and trimer candidates will then undergo flame retardant tests to evaluate their performance both in pure form and when blended into polymer matrices, comparing their effectiveness to current industrial benchmarks. Subsequently, a selection of the top-performing flame retardants will be subjected to preliminary eco- and genotoxicity studies, and their recyclability from the polymer matrices will be assessed. The ultimate goal is to identify new and potent di- and trimer B,N-containing flame retardants that exhibit no toxicity.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Vroemans Robby
- Fellow: Mahmoudi Armin
Research team(s)
Funding
- BOF
Project type(s)
- Research Project