Flame retardant

Flame Retardant

Flame retardants (pronunciation: /ˈfleɪm rɪˈtɑːrdənt/) are materials that inhibit or resist the spread of fire. These can be separated into several categories such as minerals, hydroxides, halogen-based retardants, and phosphorus-based retardants.

Etymology

The term "flame retardant" refers to the function of these substances. The word "flame" comes from the Old English 'flamme', and "retardant" is derived from the French 'retarder', meaning to delay or slow down.

Types of Flame Retardants

There are several types of flame retardants that are commonly used:

• Mineral flame retardants: These are typically compounds of aluminium and magnesium, such as hydrates and oxides.

• Halogen-based flame retardants: These are compounds containing chlorine or bromine. They are very effective but can be environmentally problematic.

• Phosphorus-based flame retardants: These can be either organic or inorganic. They are typically less toxic and less environmentally problematic than halogen-based retardants.

Related Terms

• Fire safety
• Fireproofing
• Fire resistance
• Fire test
• Fire protection

See Also

• List of fire-retardant materials
• Fire retardant coatings
• Fire safety

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