Flame-retardant synthetic resin articles and methods of making the same
are provided whereby flame-retardant SAP particles are incorporated into
synthetic resins, especially curable thermosettable resins. The SAP
particles are most preferably hydrated with an aqueous flame-retardant
solution. In this regard, the flame-retardant solution may consist
essentially of water alone or a water solution containing one or more
water soluble inorganic flame retardants. When SAP particles are hydrated
with an aqueous inorganic flame retardant solution, the SAP particles may
thereafter be dried to remove substantially the water component. In such
a manner, the inorganic flame retardant will remain as a dried residue
physically entrained within the SAP particles. As such, the SAP particles
serve as a physical matrix in which the inorganic flame retardant is
homogenously dispersed. The SAP particles may then be blended with a
synthetic resin as is or alternatively may be ground into more finely
divided particles which contain the dried residue of the aqueous
inorganic flame retardant solution and then blended with a suitable
synthetic resin.