Flame-retardant plastics: AIMPLAS expands its capacities in the development of flame-retarded materials

Flame retardancy of plastic materials is a limiting property to be used in several applications. However, their lightness makes them a very interesting alternative in applications such as aeronautics and railways. On the other hand, legislation is becoming more restrictive and is demanding more health and eco-friendly products, improved fire resistance and less smoke toxicity.

AIMPLAS has created a new research line focused on the development of high-performance flame-retarded materials, thus adapting to market demands. In this research group, four cornerstones:

Synthesis of new flame-retarded additives

One of the trendiest areas is the development of flame-retardant additives from bio-based raw materials: chitosan, gelatine, nucleic acids, starch, lignins and casein, among others. Furthermore, the incorporation of nanotechnology to encapsulate the bio-based flame retardants obtained, thus being able to incorporate additives into high melting-point polymer matrices. The synthesis process is carried out taking into account green and sustainable chemistry, being health and eco-friendly from the first product development phase.

Synthesis of inherently flame-retarded polymers

The development of inherently flame-retarded polymers consists of the incorporation of fire-resistant active functional groups in the structure of the polymer through the synthesis in a reactor or reactive extrusion (REX). By bonding flame-retardant active group to the polymer matrix, we ensure that the additive will not migrate to the end product, a problem that many conventional flame-retarded additives have.

Dispersion of polymer-matrix and characterisation of flame-retardant plastics

Processing of flame-retarded compounds plays a key role when obtaining an efficient product with homogeneous and consistent fire performance. AIMPLAS has processing equipment for thermoplastic and thermoset materials, coatings and paints to conduct dispersion and processing studies at different scales, from a few grams to hundred kilograms to conduct industrial scale-up tests.

Recyclability, migration and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

AIMPLAS, always thinking of your safety and the Circular Economy, performs Life Cycle Assessments (LCA), migration analysis and recycling assessments of new products and processes and applies its expertise in legislation (REACH, CLP, R.10/2011, etc.).

In AIMPLAS, we offer solutions to companies to meet the existing regulation and develop flame-retarded plastics. Contact us for further information.