Abstract: Recent progress in phosphorus-containing polymer flame retardants was reviewed. Based on the location of P element in the polymer, they can be divided into main-chain and side-chain phosphorus-containing polymers. Recent research works on the phosphorus-containing polymer focused on following aspects: (1) synthesis of synergistic phosphorus-base polymers and exploring the mechanism of synergistic effect; (2) synthesis of phosphorus-containing polymers with hyperbranched or mesogen architectures; (3) the way to improve mechanical and thermal properties without reducing fire retardancy; (4) synthesis of phosphorus-containing polymers with multiple functions.

Key words: polyphorous-containing polymer, flame retardant, synthesis, structure