Fire retardant polymers: recent developments and opportunities

In this Feature Article, we discuss recent developments of flame retardant polymers. Three approaches are considered: (i) inherently flame retardant polymers, (ii) chemically modified polymers and (iii) flame retardants as additives for polymers. We have tried to show the new directions and concepts emerging in the field of flame retardancy. We have mainly focused our comments on flame retardants, nanofillers and surface treatment because very promising concepts appeared recently in the published literature. Synergistic aspects are also fully discussed.