Phosphorus containing oligomers and polymers

A phosphorus containing cross-linked network polymer comprising;

• (i) general formula (D)
• wherein R is selected from the group consisting of
• or
• (ii) general formula (G)
• wherein R is selected from the group consisting of
• or
• (iii) general formula (J)
• wherein R is selected from the group consisting of
• and wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of
• a linear or branched alkyl group with up to 5 carbon atoms, and
• a linear or branched alkoxy group with up to 5 carbon atoms.

A method of forming a phosphorous containing polymer, the method comprising:

• a) providing a mixture of a base polymer and a phosphine oxide (L) containing at least one vinyl group
• wherein,
• R1 is selected from the group consisting of a linear or branched alkyl group with up to 5 carbon atoms, a phenyl group and a vinyl group, and
• R2 is independently selected from the group consisting of a linear or branched alkyl group with up to 5 carbon atoms, a phenyl group, a vinyl group, a linear or branched alkoxy group with up to 5 carbon atoms and a phenoxy group;
• said mixture optionally containing a free radical initiator;
• and
• b) subjecting said mixture to a radical initiation, thereby effecting an addition reaction wherein a phosphine oxide is grafted to the base polymer.