Abstract: A fire retardant additive comprising particles of a polymer of:1. at least one halogen-containing alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated monomer;2. at least one bis(hydrocarbyl)vinyl phosphonate having the structure: ##EQU1## wherein X is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, cyano, aryl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 alkyl and ##EQU2## wherein R and R' are hydrocarbyl and substituted hydrocarbyl groups which can be the same, different or conjoint; and,3. at least one third comonomer selected from the group consisting of alpha olefins, vinyl esters of carboxylic acids, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl esters of acrylic and methacrylic acid, ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, the corresponding anhydrides thereof and the C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 mono and dialkyl esters thereof, amides of ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids and the N-methylol and diacetone derivatives thereof, vinyl aryl compounds, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl vinyl ethers, aliphatic dienes and glycidyl esters of acrylic and methacrylic acid.

Abstract: Self-extinguishing, thermoplastic polymer compositions are prepared by the intimate admixture of a thermoplastic polymer with a copolymer of a halogen containing ethylenically unsaturated monomer and a phosphorus containing vinyl monomer, particularly a bis(hydrocarbyl)vinylphosphonate. The thus modified thermoplastic polymers display a high degree of flame retardance without any substantial changes in their physical properties including, for example, their clarity and hardness and the resulting compositions may be safely employed in any application requiring their possible exposure to fire or high temperatures.

Abstract: Aqueous suspensions of discrete particles of polymer, for instance polyvinyl latices, are heated with solvents which are at least partially water-miscible, particularly certain shortchain ketones, until the polymer is agglomerated to the desired degree. Various water-soluble inorganic metal salts, especially alkali metal and alkaline earth metal halides and sulfates, may also be added to facilitate the agglomeration. Novel macromolecular resins of high absorptivity are thus produced, comprising the fine particles of polymer cofused in a reticulated structure, the degree of cofusion being controlled at will by the process conditions selected.

Abstract: Self-extinguishing polymer compositions are prepared by the intimate admixture of an ordinarily flammable polymer substrate, which may be in the form of an aqueous solution, suspension or most preferably, an emulsion, with an aqueous emulsion or latex of a copolymer of a halogen containing ethylenically unsaturated monomer, such as a vinyl halide, and a phosphorus containing vinyl monomer, particularly a bis (hydrocarbyl) vinylphosphonate. The thus modified polymers display a high degree of flame retardance and are useful in a variety of applications including, for example, as coatings, adhesives, binders, impregnants, laminants and paint bases.