ABSTRACT
Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) has been well explored in terms of physical and chemical properties and investigated as a flame retardant for polymer matrices, based on its characteristic 2D atomic layer structure. In this chapter, the contributions of h-BN to the fire safety of polymers were reviewed in three categories: addition alone, functionalization with organics, and functionalization with inorganics. Representative h-BN flame retardant systems were developed and compared in synthesis approaches, burning behaviors, and suggested flame retardance mechanisms. Through discussion on the information collected from the literature, possible inspirations were derived and elaborated. Finally, possible trends and promising pathways of h-BN research are recommended.
