retardants for a sustainable circular economy
Dr Subra Narayan and Dr Sebastian Hörold of Clariant introduce non-halogenated Exolit flame retardants in key applications for engineering thermoplastics
Flame retardants ( FRs ) have been in use for several decades to protect polymeric materials in the event of a fire and reduce the risk of damage to property and human lives . With the current thrust towards the use of sustainable materials in a circular economy , it is imperative do use FRs that are both efficient and not pose any threat to the environment . Clariant has been at the forefront of developing halogen-free FRs for thermoplastics , thermosets and coatings under the Exolit trade name .
In this paper , we focus on two fairly recent offerings for engineering thermoplastics including polyamides ( PAs ) and polyesters that also provide recycling benefits .
Sustainability & Circular Economy
Clariant has developed a rigorous method to screen FRs based on 36 parameters to determine the impact of each product on people , planet and performance . Based on this exhaustive evaluation process , products that meet the criteria are issued an Ecotain label . In addition , it has also been making substantive efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and use renewable resources in its manufacturing process for FRs . For instance , the company ’ s workhorse product , diethyl aluminium phosphinate ( DEPAL ), is now also offered in a variation based on naturally derived raw materials that leads to 100 % sustainable carbon content on a mass balance approach . These products , sold
Figure 1 – Circularity of plastics value chain & interconnectedness among stakeholders
36 SPECIALITY CHEMICALS MAGAZINE ESTABLISHED 1981