The BCC Meetings of Flame Retardancy

Every year, the BCC meetings on Flame Retardancy are held in late May. This year marks the 27^th year of the annual meetings. These meetings are a “gathering of the clan” as scientists in the field come from around the world to participate. Attendees travel from from England, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Hungary, Korea, Thailand, and China, in addition to those from the U.S. and Canada. Participants include those from both the academic and the industrial sectors, with an equal number of presentations from both.

So, what is flame retardancy? Flame retardancy is the study by which one develops, evaluates, and commercializes the material that is designed to prevent fires in plastic materials.

The meetings have grown over the years, seeing an increase in attendance, especially those from the academic sector. As the study of flame retardancy has evolved, so have the sessions. Attendees have come to expect that they will be hearing sessions on the latest developments from all types of laboratories from those directly involved in the field. Some attendees most look forward to the networking aspects of the meeting; being able to discuss the material with those presenting. Popular sessions include composites and nanocomposites, activities in phosphorus-based flame retardants, and flame retardant testing. 

We anticipate a very strong session on flame retardant testing. Fire is a very complicated process, involving ignition, flame spread, extinction, heat release, and a myriad of other facets. In general, a flame test involves only some of these and so the challenge is to decide which test, or tests, is best to evaluate the material.  An extensive session at the meeting will cover this important matter. 

The 2016 meetings will begin with a short-course, followed by three jam-packed days of presentations, including an evening poster session from PhD students studying to enter the field. 

We hope to see you there!