Inorganic Polyphosphate Fibres

Although demonstrated as being technically very successful as a safe asbestos replacement, the commercial manufacture of these polyphosphate fibres has been abandoned. This has apparently been mainly for political reasons since any association with asbestos might lead to legal wrangles and unwarranted asbestos lawsuits (Table 12.42).  

The chemically simplest phosphorus polymers are those of the elemental red and black forms of the element (Fignre 4.3). Many binary compounds with non-metallic elements have been made in highly polymerised forms. These include (PH) , (PN) , (PsNj), (P205) , (PS) , (BP) , (PN2H) , (HCP) , and so on, but most of these have only been obtained as rather inert amorphous powders rather than as potentially useful cohesive polymeric materials (Chapter 4). 

It is regrettable that legal and political considerations can in this way unduly influence the progress and application of science. A similar situation has arisen over human cloning and genetically engineered food (Chapter 11.6). Ethical problems which may arise from time to time would perhaps best be resolved by clergymen and scientists n the real leaders 

Molecular Weight Comparison of Synthetic Polymers with Phospho-Bioassemblies 

Between about 1780 and 1850 a variety of fire-making devices were invented. The pyrophoric properties of white phosphorus were utilised in the earliest form of matches, which consisted of strips of paper tipped with the element and sealed in glass tubes. When broken, the paper would catch fire. The first striking matches ( friction lights ) were invented by J. Walker of England in 1826, but these did not contain phosphorus. Shortly afterwards a great improvement was achieved by C. Sauria of France who incorporated white P in the formulation. 

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The cytostatic and haemostatic properties of asbestos fibres can be reduced by treatment with POCI3 vapour in dry nitrogen at 105°C. In this process, it is claimed that the surface layers of -OH are replaced by phosphate groups and the asbestos fibres become coated with a layer of insoluble and relatively unreactive magnesium phosphate [5]. Inorganic polyphosphate fibres have been successfully developed as a safe replacement for asbestos, but ranain commercially unavailable (Section 12.15). 

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