FLAME RETARDANTS | ADDITIVES


Innovation in both halogenated and


halogen-free free flame retardants aims to maximise performance while limiting health and environmental issues, writes Peter Mapleston


Flame retardant focus turns to green gains


Producers and users of flame retardants for plastics of all types share the same goal: achieving the best possible performance with the lowest risk of harm to health, safety, and the planet. They don’t all agree on the path to get there, though, and the debate on the pros and cons of halogenated and non-halogenated flame retardants continues. It is clear that interest in non-halogenated chemistries remains high, and the rate of development of all sorts of halogen-free systems continues at pace. Clariant is expanding its Exolit OP 14XX range


of phosphinate-based flame retardants. Two new grades — Exolit OP 1466 (for PA6 and PA6T) and Exolit OP 1480 (for PA66) — are blends containing new nitrogen/phosphorus-based synergist formu- lations and are aimed principally at applications in unattended electrical appliances. They make it


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possible to produce compounds that not only achieve UL94 V-0 at thin wall sections, but which also meet particularly tough requirements in glow wire tests (GWIT). The company says this makes it possible to use the same FR compounds for appliances sold in different regional markets. Sebastian Hörold, Head of Technical Service Ther- moplastics and Market Manager Flame Retardants at the company, says that, until now, in most applica- tions, it has not been possible for components for household appliances moulded in HFFR PA com- pounds to pass the GWIT test according to IEC 60695-2-11 at 750°C. “Brominated flame retardants have been used in these applications, but many customers would like to go halogen-free,” he says. One driving force pushing the market to change has been proposed —and contentious — restrictions


Main image: Whatever flame retardant chemistry and technology is employed, the focus of current developments remains on achieving maximum safety with minimum risk


December 2022 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 17


IMAGE: BASF


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