Phosphorus-containing polymers, research

Phosphorus-Based Polymers From Synthesis to Applications aims at providing a broad overview of recent developments in the synthesis and applications of phosphorus-containing polymers. Over the last few years, more and more research papers have been published on this field. Polymerization of different kinds of phosphorus-based monomers using various methods has been carried out (meth)acrylates, (meth)acrylamides, vinylphosphonic acid, styrenic, and allylic monomers. The resulting phosphorus-based materials have found applications in different domains biomedical, complexation with metals, fire retardant additives, fuel cell membranes, etc. 

Even if only a few methods of synthesis of phosphorus-containing dendrimers are reported up to date, it is clear that these macromolecules now constitute a well known class of polymers whose studies appear to be an emerging field of research. 

Red phosphorus is the most concentrated source of phosphorus for flame retardancy. In fact, it is very effective in some polymers, such as thermoplastic polyesters or polyamides, where self-extinguishing UL-94 V-0 performance can be achieved at loadings of less than 10 wt%. Despite the apparent chemical simplicity of this additive, its mechanism of action is not completely understood. Most researchers agree" ° that in oxygen- or nitrogen-containing polymers, red phosphorus reacts with the polymer and induces char formation. Although there is a belief that red phosphorus is oxidized and hydrolyzed by water before it... 

Moreover, the development of new strategies for surface modifications of nanoparticles with compounds having FR activity could provide a new field of research on FR systems. The use of novel phosphorus-, nitrogen-, or halogen-containing modifiers, instead of alkylammonium ions, for layered silicates seems promising. FR action conferred by the surface modifier can be combined with action due to composite morphology, particularly when the host polymer is a polymer blend instead of a pure polymer. 

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