Advancements in the study of organic–inorganic hybrid materials and their application progress as flame retardants in polymeric materials

Polymers are widely used in numerous fields due to their excellent properties. However, the flammability of most polymer materials restricts their application in certain areas. To address this issue and meet the safety requirements of daily life, developing new, efficient and environmentally friendly flame-retardant materials has become an important research direction in the field of flame retardancy. Organic–inorganic hybrid materials combine the advantages of organic and inorganic materials, and through rational structural design, materials with both high strength and good toughness can be obtained. By incorporating organic–inorganic hybrid materials, the safety performance of polymer products can be significantly improved, reducing fire risks. After improving the flame-retardant properties of polymer materials, they can be applied in more stringent scenarios, such as interior components of vehicles and building insulation materials. In summary, organic–inorganic hybrid materials play a significant role in the flame-retardant domain of polymers due to their unique properties. With the development of materials science, the application prospects for these materials will be even broader. This paper reviews the preparation methods and related properties of organic–inorganic hybrid materials, as well as their applications in flame retardancy and other fields. Based on this, this paper further discusses the main technical challenges currently faced by organic–inorganic hybrid materials, such as dispersibility, compatibility, optical properties, etc., and proposes corresponding solutions along with future development trends.