FLAME RETARDANTS
Yellow Card for PPX1020 GF 20V0 and other electronic components that pose significant fire risks and pictures of burning EVs are constantly in the news . To address these risks , stringent regulations mandate the use of FR materials in various parts of EVs , including battery casings , wiring and interior components .
The intersection of e-mobility and flame retardancy is a critical area of focus as the industry progresses . Innovations in FR technologies , coupled with evolving regulatory landscapes , are shaping the future of electric transportation .
High CTI in FR compounds
An important property for compounds being used in e-mobility is the comparative tracking index ( CTI ). This measurement describes the materials ’ resistance to tracking . The higher the CTI value , indicating better electrical insulation , the closer two conductive parts can be placed . Therefore , this is a crucial measurement for the safety of high-voltage parts .
Polymer FR Budit T (%) CTI ( V ) PBT Halogenated 0 225 PBT Halogenated 3 325 PBT Non-halogenated 0 500 PBT Non-halogenated 3 625
Table 1 - CTI comparison of glass fibre-reinforced PBT compounds containing Budit T
FRs , be they halogenated or nonhalogenated , decrease the CTI value of compounds . The addition of small amounts of additives like barium sulphate and PP can counteract the CTI decrease in flame-retarded polymer compounds . Instead of using these additives , Budenheim ’ s recently launched Budit T grades can boosts the CTI further . Compared to compounds without any CTI improving additive an increase of up to 150 V was achieved ( Table 1 ). The common CTI additives were outperformed by up to 75 V .
Conclusion
The transition of the polymer industry and the FRs market is being driven by regulations and additional requirements for new applications . This dynamic environment requires continued research , development and compliance for offering new fire protection concepts and sustainable FRs that are currently lacking . Overcoming these challenges needs collaboration through the entire value chain to achieve the twin goals of advancing e-mobility and ensuring the highest standards of safety . ●
* - BUDIT is a registered trademark of Budenheim
Dr Tobias Moss
MANAGER INNOVATION & APPLICATION
References : 1 : https :// echa . europa . eu / de / registry-of-svhc-intentions / - / dislist / details / 0b0236e187b21d68 2 : https :// ec . europa . eu / commission / presscorner / detail / en / IP _ 23 _ 3819 3 : https :// www . pinfa . eu / wp-content / uploads / 2023 / 02 / Pinfa _ PIN-Flame-Retardants- _ Recycling _ 2023 . pdf
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BUDENHEIM tobias . moss @ budenheim . com www . budenheim . com
68 SPECIALITY CHEMICALS MAGAZINE ESTABLISHED 1981