FLAME RETARDANTS | MATERIALS IMAGE: CABOPOL
In response to supply and pricing problems in the antimony market plus growing PFAS restrictions, companies in the flame retardants sector are launching new additives and compounds. By David Eldridge
Pressures proliferate in flame retardants
An established feature of the flame retardants (FR) sector is the influence of negative external factors, particularly from tighter regulation, which has led in recent years to restrictions on halogenated FR prod- ucts. This year, though, pressure has been ramped up further and suppliers of FR additives and compounds have been forced to look for new solutions as China’s recent ban on antimony exports hits brominated FR products and the prospect of a clampdown on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) affects anti-drip ingredients. Prices for antimony – used in its antimony
trioxide (ATO) form as a synergist in BFR additives – had already been hitting record highs when China announced new rules from September that effectively prevent antimony being exported. Prices rocketed as the market tried to deal with the shut-off of the significant supply of antimony from China, which accounts for around half of global mine production. The reason for China’s action is geopolitical: it is part of its ongoing trade conflict with the US which shows no sign of easing as the
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Trump administration gets ready to take control following the presidential election in November. “Recent pricing hikes for the BFR synergist ATO, primarily due to export restrictions from China, have led to significant pain for our customers,” said Matt von Holle, VP of Specialties Product Manage- ment at BFR producer Albemarle, adding that this is a key focus for the company’s research and technology team. Wesley Hamilton, Chief Technical Officer, said:
“Albemarle has already demonstrated that ATO is not required for certain commercially-viable polymer compounds containing BFRs such as SAYTEX 8010 or recently-commercialised SAYTEX ALERO. We find that the next generation polymeric SAYTEX ALERO can actually improve processability while meeting flame retardancy and other key performance requirements.” As the antimony market becomes subject to
frantic searching for supplies in North America and other regions, and mining companies acquire competitors or fast track development of new
December 2024 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 25
Main image: Sustainability is the focus of new FR compounds, the R-Sofiplus range, launched by Cabopol in the wire and cable market
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