Flame retardant polymer materials: An update and the future for 3D printing developments

Fire safety has become a major concern due to the ubiquitous use of polymers. The development of flame retardant polymer materials has consequently experienced a huge growth in market size. New strategies and legislation have also been proposed to save lives and property. The science and economics of flame retardancy, fire regulations, and new technologies are under permanent evolution. This review paper focuses on revisiting and classifying recent developments in the knowledge and technology of flame retardant polymer materials and demonstrating the qualitative and quantitative analyses carried out on their flame retardant properties. In particular, it comprehensively addresses the progress made and the future prospects for designing precise structures via innovative technologies, particularly 3D printing - as the state-of-the-art manufacturing methodology providing innovative features in this realm of research - and their flame retardancy performances. Indeed, the strategies driving the technologies of innovative flame retardant polymer materials and 3D printing technology are approaching a practical juncture in the near future.