Technological watch

A flame-retardant composition comprising at least one solid phosphate salt and at least one acid soluble silicate material. The solid phosphate salt having a desired melting point, such that the solid phosphate salt is capable of melting at an elevated temperature, such as a fire, to react in situ with the acid soluble silicate material with minimal exothermic energy to form a ceramic flame-retardant material that provides a thermal insulation barrier. The flame-retardant composition can also comprise at least one polymer material that combusts or melts in the presence of the elevated temperature to enable melting of the solid phosphate salt. The flame-retardant composition can be provided in the form of a plastic article, such as a sheet of material, a paint formula, or an intumescent coating. The flame retardant composition can be prepared by melt processing or high shear mixing at a temperature below the melting point of the solid phosphate salt.