Abstract: Styrenic polymer foams, especially expanded and/or extruded styrenic polymer foams, are flame retarded by use of one or more flame retardant additives.

Abstract: A relatively small amount of at least one thermoplastic acrylate or methacrylate polymer that melts within the range of about 50 to about 150° C., is combined with at least one bromine-containing flame retardant that has at least 4 carbon atoms in the molecule, a total bromine content of at least about 40 wt %, and at least two bromine atoms in the molecule directly bonded to one or more aliphatic or cycloaliphatic carbon atoms. Such combination provides a composition having a higher thermal stability as compared to the same flame retardant in the absence of such acrylate or methacrylate polymer. This improvement in thermal stability exists when the components are provided as an additive or when the components have been blended in a thermoplastic polymer such as styrenic polymer.

Abstract: Styrenic polymer foams, especially XPS and EPS, are flame retarded by use of one or more flame retardant bis(bromoalkyl)bromophthalate additives, most preferably bis(2,3-dibromopropyl)tetrabromophthalate. Surprisingly, the distribution of EPS beads in the desired commercial size range was increased by the use of bis(2,3-dibromopropyl)tetrabromophthalate.

Abstract: Thermally stable flame retardant additive compositions comprise a mixture of (1) a polybromodiphenylalkane and/or a polybromodiphenyl oxide, (2) a tetrabromobisphenol-A-bis(bromoalkyl ether), and preferably (3) a synthetic zeolite and/or hydrotalcite in specified proportions. Such additives are useful in thermoplastic polymers, such as homopolymers and copolymers of vinylaromatic monomers, and polyolefin polymers, especially impact or rubber-modified polystyrenes, and most especially HIPS.

Abstract: A flame retardant molding composition which comprises a blend formed from at least the following components: (A) a thermoplastic polyamide or thermoplastic polyester polymer (B) at least one organic halogen-containing flame retardant, (C) a zinc borate, a mixed oxide of zinc and boron, or zinc sulfide, or a mixture of any two or more of the foregoing; and (D) an olefin-based polymer. The composition produces molded articles which exhibit increased comparative tracking index ratings.