FLAME RETARDANTS
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Melamine-containing system
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Budit 678 |
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New development
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Foam of intumescent FRs with & without melamine derivatives
an important raw material for widely used FRs like melamine cyanurate .
In addition to its use as an FR in unfilled polyamides , melamine cyanurate is also used as synergist in more complex FR systems . Ammonium polyphosphate-based intumescent systems typically contain a carbon donor and a blowing agent as synergists . The blowing agent can be melamine or a derivative , increasing the foam height of the intumescent system .
With Budit * 678 , Budenheim is offering a very effective intumescent system for polyolefins without using melamine derivatives as a blowing agent . The foam formed in this system has a higher density and smaller cells , but the zinc derivative improves the stability of the char layer . The more stable char means fewer cracks during fire testing and improving the overall performance .
Zinc derivatives are known for their synergistic effect with other halogenfree FRs but also for aquatic toxicity . Therefore , Budenheim is working on an eco-friendly intumescent system without melamine and heavy metals . This shows less foaming than melamine-containing FRs ( pictured ) and comparable FR performance to the existing systems with a V-0 classification at 1.6 mm at 25 % loading .
FRs in recyclates
Another driver for extensive investigations in polymer industry is the recycling of polymers and the use of recyclates . EU regulation requires 25 % recyclate content in new cars from 2030 . Different challenges need to be solved to reach this target .
The Fraunhofer LBF , together with the Phosphorus , Inorganic & Nitrogen Flame Retardants Association ( PINFA ), studied the recycling of flameretarded compounds . It was shown that these compounds can be recycled several times without losing FR performance or compromising mechanical properties .
Together with Ecobat Resources Braubach , we demonstrated that adding FRs to recyclates creates compounds suitable for demanding applications . While recycling lead from batteries is Ecobat ’ s core business , the value of the polypropylene ( PP ) housings in these batteries was recognised decades ago .
Ecobat developed a glass fibre-reinforced and flameretarded compound that achieved V-0 classification . This is the first commercially available compound consisting of 100 %
post-consumer recyclate to be UL certified with a Yellow Card .
E-mobility as innovation driver
In addition to new regulatory requirements , emerging applications in electronics and e-mobility demand different properties and new flame testing standards . The e-mobility industry , encompassing electric vehicles ( EVs ), the charging infrastructure and associated technologies , represents a pivotal shift towards sustainable transportation . This shift is driven by the urgent need to mitigate the environmental impact of traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles .
As countries across the world set ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions , the adoption of e-mobility solutions is accelerating . Governments are implementing stringent regulations to promote the production and use of EVs , which include incentives for manufacturers and consumers , as well as penalties for non-compliance .
Amidst this rapid evolution , ensuring the safety of EVs and their components is paramount . One critical aspect of this safety framework is flame retardancy . EVs incorporate complex electrical systems , high-energy batteries
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