Abstract: A polymer composition is provided that comprises a polymer and a synergistic flame retardant additive combination which comprises a nano-clay and a second filler. The second filler may be a material with known flame retardant properties, an inert filler or a combination of the same. The preferred nano-clay is Cloisite, the preferred second filler is aluminium trihydroxide. The presence of this flame retardant additive combination in polymers increases the strength of the char that forms during combustion. The formation of a strong char creates a barrier to ignition of the underlying material, for example electrical cables that have been provided with a coating of the polymeric composition.

Abstract: A polymer formulation of the kind including a polymer such as PVC or thermosetting polyester acrylic or epoxy and generally soft filler materials in an amount of 50-300 parts per 100 of resin, contains 0.05-5% of an abrasion-resistant additive which is silicon carbide or an &agr;-alumina selected from calcined unground alumina having a median crystallite size of at least 5.5 &mgr;m, and calcined and ground alumina having a median particle size of at least 3.0 &mgr;m, and tabular alumina. Shaped products and coating films formed from such formulations are also included.