Flame retardant effect of boron compounds in polymeric materials

Scientific researches have been focused on finding halogen-free solutions as effective as halogenated ones owing to environmental and health problems in recent years. This fact is the main driving force for upcoming academic works in the flame retardancy field. Boron compounds, are high potential flame retardant additive in polymer based materials owing to their low toxicity, molecular diversity, and various ways of flame retardant action. They have been used solely or as an adjuvant in combination with mineral fillers, intumescent systems, phosphorus, halogen, nitrogen, silicone and carbon containing additives. This review provides a comprehensive description of the flame retardant effect of boron compounds with general flame retardant mechanisms in natural polymers, biocomposite applications, thermoplastics, elastomers, and thermosets as well as the synergistic effect studies with other flame retardant additives. This review covers the related studies until the end of 2020. Remarkable future research opportunities and some challenges are also suggested.