Recent advances in construction of hybrid nano-structures for flame retardant polymers application

Over the past decade, hybrid flame retardant technology has gained increasing research interests because hybridization could integrate the special function of solo ingredient into a whole, thus showing potential as advanced flame retardants to endow polymer composites with high flame retardant efficiency, reinforcing effect and multifunctionality. In this review, diverse preparation methods of hybrid flame retardants through covalent linkage, ionization assembly, hydrogen bonding and π-π interaction are firstly introduced. The main part is dedicated to the effect of binary hybrid flame retardants including inorganic-organic and inorganic-inorganic hybrid systems on the properties of polymer composites/nanocomposites, with focus on their fire safety characteristics. Subsequently, the comprehensive properties of the ternary or more complicated hybrid flame retardant systems are also discussed. Finally, we give a brief summary on perspective for this new arising flame retardant technology.