Thermal formation of polybrominated dibenzofurans and dioxins from decabromodiphenyl ether flame retardant: Influence of antimony(III) oxide and the polymer matrix

While pure decabromodiphenyl ether forms highly brominated PBDF in combustion at 700°C in yields of ca. 7000 ppm the yield is significantly increased up to 16 percent in the polymeric matrix and the presence of antimony(III) oxide. Combustion of the ternary mixture results in a decrease of the temperature maximum to 500°C; the ratio of isomers is changed to lower brominated PBDF with the tetrabromo compounds as most abundant products.