Abstract: The research progress of application of SiO2 in flame retarded polymers was summarized in this paper. The flame retardancy mechanism of SiO2, the effects of SiO2 on the flame retardancy, mechanical property, and processing behavior of polymers were reviewed. The synergistic effect of SiO2 with other flame retardants was also explored. The potential vapor-phase mechanism of SiO2 based flame retardant was discussed. It was forecast that the non-halogen and environmentally friendly silicon-based flame retardant would develop rapidly in the future.

Key words: polymer, silica, fumed silica, flame retardant