Dr Boaz Turner , flame retardants R & D manager at Tosaf , shares some examples of recent developments away from halogen-containing flame retardants
Unveiling the potential of halogenfree flame retardants
Dr Boaz Turner , flame retardants R & D manager at Tosaf , shares some examples of recent developments away from halogen-containing flame retardants
The catastrophic Grenfell Tower fire in London in 2017 serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of flame retardants ( FRs ) in fire safety . This tragic incident was caused by a fundamental flaw : the use of polyethylene ( PE ) that was not FR-protected in the aluminium composite panels in the building ’ s cladding system .
The event emphasised the importance of the use of FR and since then , legislators have imposed more and stricter fire regulations . The application of fire standards has become tighter not only for construction applications but also in home appliances , white goods , raffia , synthetic grass and foamed polymers for various applications .
In the last few years , the FR industry has undergone a regulatory revolution . The industry has focused its efforts on the development of halogenfree FR additives for a wide range of applications .
This endeavour presents a significant challenge , because effective additives must now be formulated without relying on traditional halogen-based elements . The replacement of halogen-based FRs requires higher dosing to achieve optimal performance , while also considering the economic implications to ensure cost-effectiveness .
Tosaf has been investing heavily in R & D for halogen-free FR masterbatches . This has yielded a range of additives that provide maximum FR protection in various applications , including films and expanded polymers , which are considered challenging in terms of FR protection .
As the industry embraces these innovative alternatives , the journey towards a safer , more sustainable future is gaining momentum , driven by cutting-edge technology and a steadfast commitment to preventing tragedies like the Grenfell Tower fire .
New additive for PE foams
PE foams are widely used in various applications , due to their corrosion resistance , dimensional stability and thermal insulation properties . However , their low fire resistance makes the addition of FRs necessary . To address environmental and safety concerns in this area , the
Table 1 - Energetic parameters of combustion , total smoke emission & LOI percentage measured for two types of 1.6mm PP-based injected sticks
Test |
Halogen based flame retardant |
Halogen-free flame retardant - |
|
|
FR2655PE EU 35 % on PP |
Ul 94 v0 at 1.6 mm V0 V0 Peak heat release rate [ kw / m 2 ] 1215 175
Maximum average rate of heat emission [ kw / m 2 ]
330 133
Total smoke production [ m 2 ] 31 11 Loi [%] 26 40
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