Flame retardants are materials that inhibit or resist the spread of
fire. Naturally occurring substances such as
asbestos as well as synthetic materials, usually
halocarbons such as
polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDEs),
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and
chlorendic acid derivates, most often dibutyl chlorendate and dimethyl chlorendate, have been used in this capacity. Generally, these classes of flame retardant compounds are the most common:
aluminium hydroxide,
magnesium hydroxide, and various
hydrates; organobromines and organochlorines; phosphorus, in the form of
organophosphates, halogenated phosphorus compounds, and
red phosphorus;
antimony trioxide; and
boron compounds, mostly
borates.
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