The use of low-cost, bio-based and highly flammable organic polymers is increasing in all product classes and is one of the major contributors to the increase in fire growth rate nowadays. This is leading to an overall greater use of flame retardants in polymer formulations. Growing pressure for increased product safety and for health and environmental impact reduction is driving the development of innovative halogen-free flame retardant additives, to replace the widely used brominated and, in general halogen-based flame retardant additives. This technical challenge is focused at flame inhibition, anti-dripping phenomenon, low smoke generation, low toxicity and low corrosion when plastics are exposed to fire.
The aim of new Si-based halogen-free Flame Retardants for Greener plastics (FR GreenSi) project, where this fellow will play a critical role, is the development of new halogen-free flame retardant additives through their mechanistic study when exposed to fire conditions. The ultimate goal is the creation of a portfolio of halogen-free flame retardant additives, to offer optimized flame retardant solutions to varied polymer matrices, meeting the needs of many industries and markets requirements and safety regulations. This fellowship will facilitate the interaction between Dow Corning Europe and Lille Faculty of Sciences.
The aim, besides personal development, is the combination of the major strengths of this trio fellow-company-university in terms of synthesis and organic chemistry, formulation, plastic compounding, sample preparation and characterization and fire science and technology, as well as application into commercial products. This project will largely contribute to scientific excellence and innovative leadership of Europe. Moreover, the researcher will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic and rigorous environment, being exposed to cutting edge facilities and where innovation, efficiency, safety, ethics and personal development are the priority.