Abstract: Rigid-rod copolymer compositions incorporating PBO (poly(p-phenylenebenzobisoxazole)), DiOH-PBO (poly(2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-phenylenebenzobisoxazole), DiOH-PBI (poly(2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-phenylenebenzobisimidazole)), DiOH-PyBI (poly(2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-phenylenepyridobisimidazole), PBZT (poly(p-phenylenebenzobisthiazole)) and its corresponding dihydroxy analogues attached to a flexibilizing hexafluoroisopropylidene linkage are described. Also described are their fabrication into fibers by a dry jet wet spinning technique and the measured fiber mechanical properties. The copolymer compositions are highly flame-resistant and have potential utility for fire-protective clothing.

Abstract: Rigid-rod copolymer compositions incorporating PBO (poly(p-phenylenebenzobisoxazole)), DiOH-PBO (poly(2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-phenylenebenzobisoxazole), DiOH-PBI (poly(2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-phenylenebenzobisimidazole)), DiOH-PyBI (poly(2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-phenylenepyridobisimidazole), PBZT (poly(p-phenylenebenzobisthiazole)) and its corresponding dihydroxy analogues attached to a flexibilizing hexafluoroisopropylidene linkage are described. Also described are their fabrication into fibers by a dry jet wet spinning technique and the measured fiber mechanical properties. The copolymer compositions are highly flame-resistant and have potential utility for fire-protective clothing.

Abstract: A cation exchanging layered material having a cation exchange capacity satisfied by ion-exchangeable organic and inorganic cations, the ion-exchangeable organic cation content of the betastructured cation exchanging layered material being in the range of from ten to ninety-five percent of the cation exchange capacity of the cation exchanging layered material. The structure of the material is unique and is defined as a “betastructure”. A nanocomposite polymer incorporating such a “betastructured” cation exchanging layered material with a polymer.

Abstract: The present invention is an ignition resistant polymeric composite comprising a) a polymeric substrate; b) a flame retardant intermixed with the polymeric substrate; and c) a partially oxidized plasma polymerized organosilicon layer adhered to the substrate. The ignition resistant composite can readily achieve a V-0 rating in a UL-94 flammability test using a substantially lower concentration of flame retardant than is commonly incorporated into substrates to achieve the same result. Consequently, the present invention addresses the need to maintain the integrity of a substrate incorporated with flame retardant to reduce the levels of environmentally suspect materials.

Abstract: A cation exchanging layered material having a cation exchange capacity satisfied by ion-exchangeable organic and inorganic cations, the ion-exchangeable organic cation content of the betastructured cation exchanging layered material being in the range of from ten to ninety-five percent of the cation exchange capacity of the cation exchanging layered material. The structure of the material is unique and is defined as a “betastructure”. A nanocomposite polymer incorporating such a “betastructured” cation exchanging layered material with a polymer.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes non-halogenated aromatic compounds as flame retardants for polymer containing materials. Specifically, the compounds may be various non-halogenated aromatics such as the aromatic boronic acids. Suitable aromatic compounds include 1,4-benzenediboronic acid, and phenylboronic acid, although other non-halogenated compounds may be utilized. Various polymer-containing materials may utilized the flame retardants of the present invention. Examples include the polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polycarbonates, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrenes, and high impact polystyrenes.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes non-halogenated aromatic compounds as flame retardants for polymer containing materials. Specifically, the compounds may be various non-halogenated aromatics such as the aromatic boronic acids. Suitable aromatic compounds include 1,4-benzenediboronic acid, and phenylboronic acid, although other non-halogenated compounds may be utilized. Various polymer-containing materials may utilized the flame retardants of the present invention. Examples include the polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polycarbonates, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrenes, and high impact polystyrenes.