Strytech Group Inc. - Blog

Flame Retardant Additives which are "Environmentally Preferred"

Posted by Howard Neal on Sep 12, 2011 1:39:00 PM

The long standing use of antimony oxide and deca bromines for achieving flame retardant classification is coming to an end as these products have been found to be hazardous.  There is a timetable in place for replacement of these industry standard halogenated additives in any flame retardant formulations, which in some cases must be accomplished by the end of the year.

We now represent a product line of "Environmentally Preferred" Flame Retardant additives, which are non-halogenic, non-toxic, and have patent pending status. These products are available in powdered or liquid versions and in most case will give a higher rating at a reduced loading, compared to outdated and under-performing intumescents, and soon to be outlawed hazardous products like ATO and Deca Bromines.

These product are divided into three series classifications:

  • CFR™ Series: drop-in emulsions in water, castor oil, polyols or Isocyanate bases.
  • ENF™ Series: powders in three different formulations used as standalones or in conjunction with the SYN™ series.
  • SYN™ Series: powders in different formulations used in conjunction with the ENF™ Series

 

 Why you should be interested:

In recent years, intumescent flame retardants have been widely used throughout many industries for their “green” technology and because they can easily replace industry standard, halogenated types.

 Our Non Halogen ENF Series™ which can be used in thermoplastic or thermoset formulations, are formulated to fit specific applications whether as a solo replacement or in combination with our synergists.   They are efficient and can be used without loss of critical properties or the fire rating of the product in which they are used.

 

Typically, our ENF Series™ is composed of three components.

1.)  An acid source forms an impermeable, semisolid layer during the combustion.  The resultant layer is composed of polyphosphoric acid which activates char formation.

2.)  A carbonization agent, which is dehydrated by the acid release, forms an insulated cellular layer between the polymer and flame.

3.)  A blowing agent expands to form a swollen, multicellular char by releasing nonflammable gas.

 

The benefits of the above system over halogenated systems are as follows:

  • Low Smoke

  • Cost Savings

  • Good Colorability

  • Non Toxic Fumes

  • Suppresses Afterglow

  • Excellent Processability

  • Good retention of mechanical and electrical properties, especially over halogenated systems.

 Please contact us for information on these cost saving non-halogenated, non-toxic flame retardant additives.

 

Tags: non-halogenated, non-toxic, flame retardants