PHOENIX · Synergic combination of high performance flame retardant based on nano-layered hybrid particles as real alternative to halogen based flame retardant additives

Electrical and electronic (EE) applications – including housings, wire and cable, and internals such as connectors– are the largest market for flame retardants (FR) in plastics globally. The need for flame retardancy is increasing due to electronics miniaturization and higher temperatures in both processing and use. PHOENIX project is an ambitious multidisciplinary innovative threefold approach to develop:(i) A new concept of FR nanostructured materials, based on new non-halogenated flame-retardants applying nanotechnology to replace hazardous chemicals to produce sustainable FR additives based on nanolayered structures and modified lignins, produced with innovative and green chemical routes, for thermoplastic and thermoset applications.(ii) Innovative processing routes, providing solutions to the demands of the EU Industry regarding FR, finding a true cost-effective and sustainable alternative to existing non-environmentally friendly HFR, which allows simultaneously a significant improvement of mechanical properties and processability, highly limited with the existing non-halogenated FR available in the market for compounding, extrusion and injection moulding processes. New compounding techniques such as Nanodirekt process, and high innovative systems, such as ultrasounds mixing systems coupled to extrusion and injection equipments, will assure high nanoparticles dispersion in the polymer nanocomposites and in the final pieces, thus achieving optimal properties.(iii) Simulation and modelling of compounding processes for the preparation of optimal nanocomposites, avoiding aggregates and achieving the best dispersion of the nanoparticles in the polymer matrix.The achievement of these results will represent a significant advantage to the participating SMEs and in turn to the End-Users demanding high-performance environmentally friendly FR materials to manufacture high-performance parts.""