Authors: Fei Xiao | Siqi Huo | Zongmin Zhu | Xiaodong Jin
Source: Frontiers in Chemistry (article, 2026-01-21)
Field: Materials Science — Polymers and Plastics

Editorial: Innovative flame retardant materials: balancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability Innovative Flame Retardant Materials: Balancing Efficiency, Safety, and Sustainability As the global industrial landscape shifts toward high-performance polymeric materials in sectors such as electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, 5G telecommunications, and aerospace, the demand for advanced fire retardancy has become increasingly critical [1,2] . Historically, scientific approaches to fire hazards have evolved from rudimentary topical treatments to the sophisticated macromolecular engineering in the twentieth century [2] . However, the modern challenge extends beyond merely achieving fire resistance; it requires balancing overall performance while adhering to environmental stewardship principles and ensuring human safety. For decades, organo-halogen compounds dominated the market due to their exceptional gas-phase efficiency and low production 1 costs. The recognition that these substances are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic has triggered 2 regulatory revolution [3] . This Research Topic serves as a for studies addressing these 3 challenges, exploring the intricate chemistry of synthesis, combustion mechanisms, and the 4 development of sustainable alternatives that meet stringent safety standards without compromising 5 material performance. The four invited articles in this Research Topic highlight recent advances 6 in fire retardancy research, encompassing relevant aspects of the current landscape. 7The first article by Bob A. Howell focuses on the promising future of sustainable flame 8 retardants. It envisions future flame retardants-whether biobased, organophosphorus, reactive, or 9 oligomeric-and proposes that these novel flame retardants must meet criteria of effectiveness, 10 environmental friendliness, and sustainable production. These materials should be producible 11 through simple, low-cost processes, exhibit broad compatibility with various polymer matrices, 12 and be easily degradable during polymer recycling. Most importantly, they must be non-migratory 13 and non-toxic. 14The second article by Dong et.al. is dedicated to the pyrolysis characteristics of polyurethane 15 (PU) using reactive force field molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate product distribution 16 and thermal decomposition mechanisms. A molecular model of polyurethane was constructed, and 17 its pyrolysis process was simulated at temperatures ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 K. The study 18 analyzed potential energy changes, product species, the distribution of carbon-containing 19 components, main gaseous products, primary intermediate products, and initial cleavage pathways. 20This work provides microscopic insights into the thermal degradation of polyurethane, supporting 21 applications in fire safety assessment and material recycling.PLA can catalyze the pyrolysis of ABS in the blend, leading to a more vigorous combustion 3 reaction. The presence of ABS enhances the thermal degradation of PLA, exhibiting a significant 4 synergistic effect on both the heat release rate and total heat release. Kinetic analysis indicates 5 that the interaction between PLA and ABS accelerates the degradation process, particularly at 6 lower temperatures. These findings are highly significant for the efficient utilization and fire-7 retardant properties of PLA/ABS blends. 8Metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived flame retardants have recently emerged as 9 innovative additives in polymer materials, effectively reducing fire risks in applications with 10 stringent fire safety requirements [4] . The fourth article by Aseeri et al. reports the fabrication of a 11 novel hybrid hydrogel incorporating a scandium-based MOF, which was synthesized using 1,4-12 naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, scandium nitrate, oxidized pectin, and chitosan via a microwave-13 assisted method. Comprehensive characterization confirmed that the scandium-based MOF 14 exhibits a high specific surface area, a crystalline porous structure, and functional groups 15 responsible for adsorption and antibacterial activity. This study provides valuable insights for the 16 design of highly efficient MOF-based flame retardants. 17While the four articles included in this Research Topic represent only a small fraction of the 18 extensive research in this field, they highlight the dynamic nature of studies on innovative flame-19 retardant materials, emphasizing the balance between efficiency, safety, and sustainability. 20 Furthermore, a deeper understanding of the reaction and resistance to fire of these materials at the 21 molecular level is essential. Fortunately, recent advancements in experimental techniques and 22 theoretical models have opened up new avenues for addressing these challenges. Fire retardant ; Sustainability ; Fire protection ; Fire safety ; Stewardship (theology) ; Industrial ecology ; Flammability Flame retardant materials and properties ; Fire dynamics and safety research ; Environmental and Industrial Safety