MATERIALS | FLAME RETARDANTS
deposits, some additives companies have been looking at alternatives to insecure antimony. CAI Performance Additives has launched ST-FR322 synergist for halogenated FRs, which it says is “an environmentally friendly alternative that delivers exceptional performance and cost savings for a wide range of plastic applications”. It is an organic and inorganic complex substance, free from heavy metals, which CAI says is a “compelling alternative to traditional flame retardants containing antimony trioxide, which raise environmental and health concerns”. According to the company: “ST-FR322 shows a powerful synergistic effect when combined with halogenated flame retardants. It effectively replac- es antimony trioxide in equal amounts in various plastics, including PA, PBT, ABS, HIPS, PS, PVC, PP, PE, EVA, and more.” CAI said that ST-FR322 achieves the same level
Below: Comparison of commercially viable ATO-free formulations in PP showing improved spiral flow mould filling for Albemarle’s new SAYTEX ALERO product
of flame retardancy as antimony trioxide. Other features include: reduced smoke production; anti-dripping; improved processing. The regulatory scrutiny of halogenated products has continued in Europe and North America, leading some companies to develop non-halogen- ated FRs. But Albemarle says it remains confident that its BFR products are safe and effective polymer additives. As the regulatory pressure continues, Albemarle’s commitment to product stewardship leadership has remained. “Our team of scientists employs an evidence-based approach and conducts extensive testing to prove performance and gauge sustainability more holistically,” said Kyle Bodine, Senior Director in Research and Technology. “We assess potential degradation pathways of the FR, including hydrolysis, thermal decomposition, photolytic instability, biotransfor- mation, and assess its recyclability and likelihood to leach out after incorporation into the resin.” Gregg Ublacker, Senior Director of Product
Stewardship, said: “Historically, non-halogenated FR evaluations have been less rigorous and less scrutinised, but hopefully, this is beginning to
ST-FR322 synergist for halogenated FRs Whiteness
Thermal Decomposition Temperature Specific Gravity
Average Particle Size pH
Source: CAI Performance Additives
change. We continue to see propagation of incorrect assumptions that all BFRs are unsafe and that all non-halogenated FRs are safer. This can lead to regrettable substitution which then may result in less safe products for consumers. As health and safety data are generated for FRs, we need to constantly review the potential hazards and risks and assess how to mitigate these risks to ensure the continued use of the most efficacious and safest product for the intended applications.” Jessica Bowman, Senior Director of Regulatory
Affairs, said: “Albemarle continues to engage with regulatory agencies in all geographies, which we do together with our partners including the North American Flame Retardant Alliance (NAFRA) and the International Bromine Council (BSEF). Commu- nication of the science demonstrating safety of BFRs, along with their critical societal benefits, is paramount to Albemarle’s mission to be a responsi- ble partner for people and the planet.” On the sustainability front, Albemarle has em-
barked on a project to conduct product carbon footprint (PCF) analyses of all of its BFRs. “We first completed the PCF for our bromine raw material produced in Magnolia, Arkansas. Compared to phosphorus, bromine has a much lower carbon footprint,” said Benjamin Caire, Sustainability Lead, Commercial and Supply Chain. “This translates to a lower PCF for the derivatives. For example, the manufacture of our DBDPE product, SAYTEX 8010, used in electronic enclosures, has lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to BPADP,” explained Caire. In October, Elementis announced the expan-
sion of its specialty additives product offerings into plastic compounding applications with the intro- duction of Charguard organoclay-based FR synergists. These synergists are designed to enhance anti-drip and char formation properties of non-halogenated FRs.
Elementis said the move away from PFAS due to
regulatory scrutiny has led to research into alterna- tives. “With well studied and impressive safety credentials and superior performance properties, the shift has paved the way for naturally derived organoclay to be considered as an alternative synergist option,” it said. Charguard 1000 has a natural white colour and
26 COMPOUNDING WORLD | December 2024
www.compoundingworld.com
≥90 360°C
2.62 g/cm³ ≤4 μm 6.7
IMAGE: ALBEMARLE
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