Flame Retardant Compounds Research Articles

Variation profiles, formation mechanisms, and emission risks of brominated flame retardant compounds during cement kiln co-processing of hexabromocyclododecane-containing waste

Cement kiln co-processing technique has been suggested as a promising disposal method for hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD)-containing construction wastes. However, concerns persist regarding the potential emissions of secondary brominated flame retardant (BFR) compounds. To address this, we conducted both field and laboratory experiments to elucidate the emission characteristics and formation mechanisms of BFRs during the co-processing of HBCD-containing waste in cement kilns. In the field experiments, which examined a range of HBCD disposal dosages from 0 to 400 kg/day, the concentrations of new brominated flame retardants (NBFRs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) in the stack gas were 0.57–0.80, 0.68–51.56, 0.62–1.79 ng/Nm3, respectively. Over 77 % of the emitted BFRs can be sequestered within solid materials. Further laboratory experiments revealed that the alkaline substances present in cement kilns can absorb HBr thus inhibiting the formation of BFRs. The transformation mechanisms from HBCDs to BFRs were further explored to involve processes including structural re-arrangement, de novo synthesis, and precursor formation. Furthermore, the national annual emission risk associated with the disposal of HBCD-containing construction wastes via cement kilns has been assessed. The findings of our study furnish a critical scientific basis for the development of strategies for managing HBCD-containing waste in the future.

LyondellBasell launches Petrothene T3XL7420: a polymer compound for optimized manufacturing

On January 23, 2024, LyondellBasell (LYB) announced the release of a cross-linkable, all-in-one flame-retardant compound, Petrothene T3XL7420, which is expected to deliver considerable cost savings while streamlining manufacturing processes. This new product offering is also claimed to improve the quality of end products for wire producers in the automotive and appliance industries. Based on customer demand and industry need, LyondellBasell designed this innovative compound to address the need to optimize production line speeds and enhance manufacturing efficiency.

Cage Nanofillers' Influence on Fire Hazard and Toxic Gases Emitted during Thermal Decomposition of Polyurethane Foam.

Polyurethane (PUR), as an engineering polymer, is widely used in many sectors of industries. However, the high fire risks associated with PUR, including the smoke density, a high heat release rate, and the toxicity of combustion products limit its applications in many fields. This paper presents the influence of silsesquioxane fillers, alone and in a synergistic system with halogen-free flame-retardant compounds, on reducing the fire hazard of polyurethane foams. The flammability of PUR composites was determined with the use of a pyrolysis combustion flow calorimeter (PCFC) and a cone calorimeter. The flammability results were supplemented with smoke emission values obtained with the use of a smoke density chamber (SDC) and toxicometric indexes. Toxicometric indexes were determined with the use of an innovative method consisting of a thermo-balance connected to a gas analyzer with the use of a heated transfer line. The obtained test results clearly indicate that the used silsesquioxane compounds, especially in combination with organic phosphorus compounds, reduced the fire risk, as expressed by parameters such as the maximum heat release rate (HRRmax), the total heat release rate (THR), and the maximum smoke density (SDmax). The flame-retardant non-halogen system also reduced the amounts of toxic gases emitted during the decomposition of PUR, especially NOx, HCN, NH3, CO and CO2. According to the literature review, complex studies on the fire hazard of a system of POSS-phosphorus compounds in the PUR matrix have not been published yet. This article presents the complex results of studies, indicating that the POSS-phosphorous compound system can be treated as an alternative to toxic halogen flame-retardant compounds in order to decrease the fire hazard of PUR foam.

Targeted and non-targeted screening of flame retardants in rural and urban honey

Flame retardants (FRs) are often added to commercial products to achieve flammability resistance, but they are not chemically bonded to the materials, so, they can be easily released into the environment during the production and disposal processes. When honeybees travel to collect nectar during the pollination process, they are prone to be contaminated by chemicals in the air. Therefore, honey contamination has been proposed as an indicator of the pollution status in a particular region. To date, the occurrence of flame retardants in urban honey has yet to be explored. In this study, a direct injection method was used, coupled with LC-QTOF-MS, to analyze honey samples. This method was applied to urban (n = 100) and rural (n = 100) honey samples from the Quebec province (Canada), and the levels of flame retardants in urban and rural honey samples were not significantly different. In the targeted approach, two of the target FRs, tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) and triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), were detected and confirmed at an average trace concentration (<1 ng mL−1). Additionally, a non-targeted screening workflow with an in-house-built library was developed and validated to screen for flame retardants in honey. Tris (2-chloropropyl) phosphate (TCIPP) was identified in honey using the non-targeted screening workflow and confirmed using a pure analytical standard, but there are other compounds detected in the non-targeted analysis that have yet to be validated. This study was the first to report FR compounds based on a direct injection method, coupled with a non-targeted screening workflow, at a trace level in a honey matrix. It also showed that a non-targeted workflow was effective to detect and identify unknown compounds present in the honey sample; hence, this provided a novel angle for the occurrence of FRs in air, with honey as a bio-indicator.

Synthesis and thermal characterization of composites based on Epidian 601 with flame retardants compounds

Abstract This study presents the preparation and flammability characteristics of polymeric composites based on the epoxy resin Epidian® 601. The triethylenetetramine (TETA) and commercial curing agents based on polyamines (IDA and PAC) were used as crosslinking compounds. Moreover, two flame retardant compounds were added to this composition, the commercial Fire Retardant (FR) and triphenyl phosphate (TP). The chemical structure of the composites and the course of curing processes were confirmed by the ATR/FT-IR (Attenuated Total Reflection–Fourier Transform Infrared) analysis. The influence of different amounts of FR or TP on the flammability and thermal resistance was discussed in detail. After the flammability test the samples were also studied to assess their thermal destruction. In addition, the composites were subjected to the swelling tests, solvent resistance, and microscopic observations. The DSC curves revealed that all materials were characterized by good thermal properties. All materials were temperature resistant up to 300 °C. Furthermore, the measurements of the hardness of the composite demonstrated that the material EP601 + TETA + 10 %FR is the hardest. The addition of FR and RP influenced the flammability of the composites increasing the thermal resistance. The ageing tests in methanol, acetone, hydrochloric acid, and potassium hydroxide were also carried out.

Efek Sinergis Alumina Trihydrate Dan Melamine Cyanurate Terhadap Ketahanan Api Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP)

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) in train interior components must have good fire resistance properties. Therefore, it is necessary to add a flame retardant compound to the GFRP material. In this study, Alumina Trihydrate (ATH) and Melamine Cyanurate (MCA) were mixed into a vinyl ester resin. The method of making GFRP refractory specimens uses the hand lay-up method. GFRP is mixed and tested for fire resistance standard ORE B 106.2. The results obtained after the addition of 25% ATH, a mixture of 25% ATH with 5% MCA, 10% MCA with 25% ATH, and 15% MCA with 25% ATH, 25% ATH in the outer layer, and a mixture of 5% MCA with 25% ATH in the outer layer of the resin weight is able to increase fire resistance. Optimum GFRP fire resistance at the addition of 25% ATH to the weight of the resin in the outer layer. The result of the burned area is 84.84 cm² with a fire extinguishing time of 0.33 seconds after the fire source leaves the specimen. The results show that the mixture of ATH and MCA has a synergistic effect on fire resistance properties, so it becomes a recommendation for interior sidewall panels and ceiling panels on trains according to the ORE B 106.2 standard&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

A review on volatilization of flame retarding compounds from polymeric textile materials used in firefighter protective garment

Polymeric textile materials, now, find extensive application in modern society than previously imagined, particularly in protective clothing. The application of these polymeric materials has been restricted by their flammability and contribution to fire risk. Flame retarding compounds and inherent flame-retardant materials have been introduced to reduce and even halt the flammability of polymers. However, over time, flame retardants tend to leach out of materials. The exposure of polymer textile to varying heat intensities may trigger polymer and flame retardant’s volatilization and thermal degradation. Firefighters may be exposed to toxic chemicals through the volatilization of flame-retardant compounds from the bunker gear. Flame retardant’s volatilization is associated with thermal degradation of the flame-retardant chemical compounds in the textile material. This review focuses on volatilization of flame retardants from protective textile materials resulting from exposure to heat and seeks to provide the necessary understanding about the release of flame retardants from flame-retardant textiles, particularly firefighting garments.

Suberin as a bio-based flame-retardant?

Fire hazard is a constant risk in everyday life with the use of combustibles such as polymeric materials, wood, and fabrics, to name a few. Halogenated compounds have been widely used as efficient flame-retardants, often being applied as coatings or impregnations. With growing environmental concerns and regional bans on the use of halogenated flame-retardant compounds, bio-based alternatives are garnering significant research interest. Naturally occurring materials such as eggshells, DNA, and certain proteins have developed a self-defense mechanism against fire over millions of years of evolution. Cork, a naturally occurring biological tissue in outer bark, is of interest as it is often used as a heat shield and moisture repellent, specifically in spacecraft. A deeper look into the chemical structure of cork indicates the presence of suberin, a bio-polyester group that makes up as much as 40% of its chemical composition. These bio-polyester groups play a key role as a protective barrier between the plant and the surrounding external environment. Thus, the role of suberin in plants could be mimicked for the design of biobased flame-retardant materials.

Effects of casein on flammability and mechanical characteristics of medium density fibreboards based on formaldehyde-free resin system

As one of the major milk proteins, casein has mainly been used in food and medical industries. Its applications have also been expanded to other areas, including its use as a textile fibre, coating material and as an adhesive. However, more recently, casein has shown great potential as an alternative flame retardant (FR) because it is non-toxic and biodegradable. Nevertheless, there are limited studies to investigate the effects of casein on flame retardant and mechanical properties of wood-based panels. In this research, we have set up a manufacturing process to fabricate fire resistant medium density fibreboards (MDFs). Casein is used as an FR compound to explore its effects on the fire and mechanical performance of wood-based MDF panels. Moreover, a soy flour-based resin system is selected as a replacement for the commonly used toxic formaldehyde-based resin. Two approaches are employed for the casein incorporation during the MDF manufacturing process: one is to spray casein solutions and another is to add pulverized casein particles. The spraying method with casein solution improves the flexure strength by approximately 48% compared to that of non-treated MDF samples, while the flexure strengths of MDF panels with ground casein particles dropped by nearly 26%. The addition of casein also reduced the heat release rate of the panel with a more compact char structure. The research clearly indicates the possibility of manufacturing fire-retardant casein-based MDF panels for their use in fire-prone areas.

How Do Phosphorus Compounds with Different Valence States Affect the Flame Retardancy of PET?

This work investigated the effect of different valence states of phosphorus-containing compounds on thermal decomposition and flame retardancy of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Three polyphosphates-PBPP with +3-valence P, PBDP with +5-valence P and PBPDP with both +3/+5-valence P-were synthesized. The combustion behaviors of flame-retardant PET were studied and the structure-property relationships between the phosphorus-based structures with different valence states and flame-retardant properties were further explored. It was found that phosphorus valence states significantly affected the flame-retardant modes of action of polyphosphate in PET. For the phosphorus structures with +3-valence, more phosphorus-containing fragments were released in the gas phase, inhibiting polymer chain decomposition reactions; by contrast, those with +5-valence phosphorus retained more P in the condensed phase, promoting the formation of more P-rich char layers. It is worth noting that the polyphosphate containing both +3/+5-valence phosphorous tended to combine the advantage of phosphorus structures with two valence states and balance the flame-retardant effect in the gas phase and condensed phase. These results contribute to guiding the design of specified phosphorus-based structures of flame-retardant compounds in polymer materials.

Flame retardant back-coated PET fabric with DOPO-based environmentally friendly formulations

There is a great demand for nontoxic flame retardants (FRs) in textile industry to replace harmful halogenated counterparts. On the other hand, the availability of eco-friendly phosphorus-based FRs for application on synthetic textiles are scarce for, especially for the back coating application. Thus, in this work, non-toxic phosphorus FRs such as EDA-DOPO (ED) and DOPO-PEPA (DP) were applied to PET fabric via a back coating process. For immobilizing these FRs on fabric, three different polymer resins, namely polyurethane, vinylacetate and acrylcopolymer, were utilized. The FR performance of fabrics was evaluated via a vertical burning test (FAR 25.853), a standard used commonly in aviation industry. For ED formulations (all resins), 5 % phosphorus (P) content on coating was sufficient for the textiles to pass the fire test. However, fabrics coated with DP formulations failed the fire test for the same P content. To further improve the FR performance of DP formulations, melamine was incorporated as a synergistic additive. In order to understand their FR behavior, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and direct insertion probe-mass spectrometry (DIP-MS) analysis was performed to elucidate the FR action of the additives. Herein, it was shown that DOPO-based FR compounds were first time successfully applied for the back coating application in textiles and their gas phase action was essential to pass the vertical burning test.

Prenatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers and BMI Z-scores from 5 to 14 years

BackgroundPolybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame-retardant compounds widely used in household products until phase out in 2004. PBDEs are endocrine disruptors and are suggested to influence signaling related to weight control. Prenatal exposures to PBDEs may alter childhood adiposity, yet few studies have examined these associations in human populations.MethodsData were collected from a birth cohort of Dominican and African American mother-child pairs from New York City recruited from 1998 to 2006. PBDE congeners BDE-47, − 99, − 100, and − 153 were measured in cord plasma (ng/μL) and dichotomized into low (< 80th percentile) and high (>80th percentile) exposure categories. Height and weight were collected at ages 5, 7, 9, 11, and an ancillary visit from 8 to 14 years (n = 289). Mixed-effects models with random intercepts for participant were used to assess associations between concentrations of individual PBDE congeners or the PBDE sum and child BMI z-scores (BMIz). To assess associations between PBDEs and the change in BMIz over time, models including interactions between PBDE categories and child age and (child age)2 were fit. Quantile g-computation was used to investigate associations between BMIz and the total PBDE mixture. Models were adjusted for baseline maternal covariates: ethnicity, age, education, parity, partnership status, and receipt of public assistance, and child covariates: child sex and cord cholesterol and triglycerides.ResultsThe prevalence of children with obesity at age 5 was 24.2% and increased to 30% at age 11. Neither cord levels of individual PBDEs nor the total PBDE mixture were associated with overall BMIz in childhood. The changes in BMIz across childhood were not different between children with low or high PBDEs. Results were similar when adjusting for postnatal PBDE exposures.ConclusionsPrenatal PBDE exposures were not associated with child growth trajectories in a cohort of Dominican and African American children.

Relationships between House Characteristics and Exposures to Metal(loid)s and Synthetic Organic Contaminants Evaluated Using Settled Indoor Dust.

This study investigates associations between house characteristics and chemical contaminants in house dust, collected under the nationally representative Canadian House Dust Study (2007–2010). Vacuum samples (<80 µm fraction) were analysed for over 200 synthetic organic compounds and metal(loid)s. Spearman rank correlations between contaminant concentrations in dust and presence of children and pets, types of flooring, heating styles and other characteristics suggested a number of indoor sources, pointing to future research directions. Numerous synthetic organics were significantly associated with reported use of room deodorizers and with the presence of cats in the home. Hardwood flooring, which is a manufactured wood product, emerged as a source of metal(loid)s, phthalates, organophosphate flame retardants/plasticizers, and obsolete organochlorine pesticides such as ∑DDT (but not halogenated flame retardants). Many metal(loid)s were significantly correlated with flame-retardant compounds used in building materials and heating systems. Components of heating appliances and heat distribution systems appeared to contribute heat-resistant chemicals and alloys to settled dust. Carpets displayed a dual role as both a source and repository of dust-borne contaminants. Contaminant loadings (<80 µm fraction) were significantly elevated in heavily carpeted homes, particularly those located near industry. Depending on the chemical (and its source), the results show that increased dust mass loading may enrich or dilute chemical concentrations in dust. Research is needed to improve the characterisation of hidden indoor sources such as flame retardants used in building materials and heating systems, or undisclosed ingredients used in common household products, such as air fresheners and products used for companion animals.

Synthesis of the effective flame retardant via modification of epoxy resin with phenylboronic acid

In this project, a novel flame retardant was synthesized using a modification of epoxy resin with phenylboronic acid in the presence of tetra-n-butyl ammonium bromide catalyst during reaction at 80–120 °C. The flame retardant was prepared from the polymerization process without solvent and two ratios of phenylboronic acid. Then, using this obtained material, epoxy coating formula 828 was prepared and the effect of adding this compound was investigated then by examining the properties, the optimal sample was obtained. The results of the FTIR, NMR, TGA and DSC analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of flame retardant compounds. The curves obtained from the calorimetric test showed an increase in the efficiency of coal production and thermal resistance of the samples containing flame retardants. The rate of thermal degradation of the samples decreased from 100% for the pure epoxy coating to 94% and 87% for BE1 and BE2 samples containing flame retardant, respectively. The limited oxygen index increased from 21.8% for the pure epoxy sample to 26.6% and 31.2% for BE1 and BE2 samples, respectively. Examination of flame resistance properties showed that the coating containing 20% by weight of flame retardant BE2 had better results.

Organophosphate and Organohalogen Flame-Retardant Exposure and Thyroid Hormone Disruption in a Cross-Sectional Study of Female Firefighters and Office Workers from San Francisco.

Occupational exposures to flame retardants (FRs), a class of suspected endocrine-disrupting compounds, are of health concern for firefighters. We sought to characterize exposure to FR compounds and evaluate their association with thyroid hormone levels, a biomarker of early effect, in female firefighters and office workers in San Francisco. In a cross-sectional study, we measured replacement organophosphate and organohalogen FRs in spot urine samples from firefighters (N = 86) and office workers (N = 84), as well as total thyroxine (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone in plasma for 84 firefighters and 81 office workers. Median bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate (BDCPP) levels were 5 times higher in firefighters than office workers. Among firefighters, a doubling of BDCPP was associated with a 2.88% decrease (95% confidence interval −5.28, −0.42) in T4. We did not observe significant associations between FRs and T4 among office workers. In the full group, intermediate body mass index and a college education were associated with higher FR levels. The inverse association observed between FRs and T4 coupled with the lack of studies on women workers and evidence of adverse health effects from FR exposure—including endocrine disruption and breast cancer risk—warrant further research on occupational exposures and identification of opportunities for exposure reduction.

Effect of Functionality of Organophosphorus Flame Retardants on Flammability and Thermal Stability of DGEBA-Based Epoxy Resin Nanocomposites

Background: Epoxy resins have been extensively used in fire hazard environments, such as printed circuit boards, electrical isolation materials, adhesives, construction, and transportation due to their economically viable, simple processing. Therefore, the development of thermally stable and flame-retardant epoxy resin systems is essential. Objective: The aim of the present study was to study the effect of the functionality of organophosphorus flame retardants on DGEBA-based epoxy resin nanocomposites on thermal stability and flame retardancy. Method: DGEBA (diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A)-based epoxy resin nanocomposites having 2.0 wt% phosphorus were prepared with organophosphorus flame retardants with different functionalities by using an in-situ polymerization method. The flame retardant compounds uni-functional 9, 10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO) and bi-functional 2-(6-oxid-6Hdibenz [c, e] [1, 2] oxaphosphorin 6-yl) 1, 4-benzenediol (DOPO-HQ) were prepared. The thermal behavior of composites was studied by TG and DTA techniques. The flammability behavior was investigated by UL-94 and limiting oxygen index (LOI) tests. Results: The XRD and TEM results showed the mixed dispersion of nanoclay platelets in an epoxy matrix. The thermal stability of the epoxy composite (EPDOPO-HQ) containing bi-functional DOPOHQ is increased by 16°C in comparison to the epoxy composite (EPDOPO) containing uni-functional DOPO. According to the TG analysis, the addition of nanoclay was observed to be more effective and synergistic with bi-functional DOPO-HQ as the EPDOPO-HQ/NC sample gains more resistance to degradation after around 450°C and also gave rise to a high char yield. Epoxy resin samples containing reactive flame retardants gave UL-94 V-0 rating, but further addition of 2.0 wt% nanoclay lowered the rating from V-0 to V-1. Conclusions: TG analysis of the epoxy composite samples showed that the addition of nanoclay were observed to be synergistic with bi-functional flame retardant (DOPO-HQ) as the EPDOPO-HQ/NC sample gained more resistance to degradation after around 450°C due to the formation of mixed intercalated and exfoliated structure. The EPDOPO-HQ sample gave a high char yield with increased onset degradation temperature, high thermal stability as well as high flame retardancy.

Influence of ingredients on the properties of the flame retardant compound based on polyethylene

In this paper, the effects of a flame retardant system combining ATH/MPP (aluminum hydroxide/melamine phosphate) and the other additives such as zinc stearate (ZnSt) on some properties of flame retardant PE compound based on LDPE were studied. The total flame retardant content was 35% by weight. Mechanical properties (tensile at break, elongation at break), thermal stability, and fire resistance were determined by the respective methods ASTM D638, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and UL-94 test. The obtained results showed that using the combination of ATH/MPP has increased the fire resistance and thermal stability of the PE compound. The sample CT7 (15%ATH/20%MPP/2%ZnSt) achieved the best fire resistance. The mechanical properties increased slightly when increasing the content of MPP and reached the maximum for samples containing only MPP. The SEM micrographs showed that the addition of zinc stearate improved the dispersion of ATH and MPP in the PE matrix. The effect of flame retardant additives and zinc stearate on the melt index value of the PE compound was also surveyed.

Green Sorbitol- and Isosorbide-Based Flame Retardants for Cotton Fabrics.

Flame retardancy is often required in various textile applications. Halogenated flame retardants (FR) are commonly used since they have good FR performance. Several of these components are listed under REACH. Halogen-free FR compounds have been developed as alternatives. So far, not many biobased FR have made it to the market and are being applied in the textile sector, leaving great opportunities since biobased products are experiencing a renaissance. In this study, renewable FR based on sorbitol and isosorbide were synthesised. The reaction was performed in the melt. The resulting biobased FR were characterised via FT-IR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Cotton fabrics functionalized with the developed biobased FR passed ISO 15025 FR test. After washing, the FR properties of the fabrics decreased (longer afterflame and afterglow time) but still complied with ISO 15025, indicating the biobased FR were semi-permanent. The amount of residue of modified sorbitol and isosorbide measured at 600 °C in air was 31% and 27%, respectively. Cotton treated with biobased modified FR showed no ignition during cone calorimetry experiments, indicating a flame retardancy. Furthermore, a charring of the FR containing samples was observed by means of cone calorimetry and TGA measurements.

Effects of Basalt and Carbon Fillers on Fire Hazard, Thermal, and Mechanical Properties of EPDM Rubber Composites.

Due to growing restrictions on the use of halogenated flame retardant compounds, there is great research interest in the development of fillers that do not emit toxic compounds during thermal decomposition. Polymeric composite materials with reduced flammability are increasingly in demand. Here, we demonstrate that unmodified graphene and carbon nanotubes as well as basalt fibers or flakes can act as effective flame retardants in polymer composites. We also investigate the effects of mixtures of these carbon and mineral fillers on the thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties of EPDM rubber composites. The thermal properties of the EPDM vulcanizates were analyzed using the thermogravimetric method. Flammability was determined by pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetry (PCFC) and cone calorimetry.

Optimization of the Mechanical Properties of Polyolefin Composites Loaded with Mineral Fillers for Flame Retardant Cables

Formulations based on mineral fillers and polymeric matrices of different nature were studied to obtain halogen-free flame retardant compounds (HFFR) for cable applications. The work was carried out by comparing fire-retardant mineral fillers of natural origin with synthetic mineral ones available on the market. As a reference, a formulation based on micronized natural magnesium hydroxide (n-MDH, obtained from brucite) and an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer with 28% by weight (11% by moles) of vinyl acetate were selected, and the mechanical and flame retardant properties compared with formulations based on secondary polymers combined with EVA, metal hydroxides, and carbonates. Notably, we found a synergistic effect in the mechanical, rheological and flame retardant properties for the composite containing a mixture of n-MDH and boehmite in a 3:1 weight ratio. Overall, the present work provided a complete and optimized recipe for the formulation of polymer composites characterized by the required flame retardant and mechanical features in electric cables applications.