Flame Retardants

Cytec manufactures both "reactive" and "additive" phosphorus derivatives containing compounds for flame retardant polymers and plastics. CYAGARD^® RF 1243 and CYAGARD RF 1241 flame retardant containing two reactive hydroxyl functional groups are ideal for epoxy and polyurethane applications. Inert compounds such as CYAGARD RF 67 and CYAGARD RF 1204 are useful for imparting flame retardancy to polypropylene and rayon. Such compounds offer an alternative to brominated flame retardants.

Higher molecular weight CYPHOS^® phosphonium salts as well as certain high molecular weight tertiary phosphine oxides are useful anti-stats for polycarbonates and other polymeric materials. The latter may also be used as plasticizers.

The high thermal stability of phosphonium salts makes them useful for modified clays used to impart special properties such as high impact strength and gas impermeability to synthetic polymers.

Both BPD and BPOD have found selective use in the flame retardant and additives sector. BPD when reacted with acrylic acid leads to a non-halogenated flame retardant for use with polyester fabric. BPOD has been under investigation as a monomer in polymeric flame retardants. As additives, BPOD is added to polyurethane formulations as a polymerization control agent in foundry resin applications. BPD is hydrolyzed to benzene phosphonous acid (BPA), an additive in nylon 6,6 manufacture.