Flame retardants for fire proof plastics

The use of flame-retarded plastics is gaining an importance on the world stage, given that many metal parts are being replaced with their equivalent plastic parts. Flame-retarded plastics are present in many industries such as the construction, electrical-electronic, automotive and aeronautics sectors, in which fire regulations and requirements are very strict.

Moreover, in recent years, new regulations have been approved, limiting the use of some flame retardants (FR), such as halogenated flame retardants (H-FR), which have had to be replaced with other type of additives. This changeover has not always been successful, forcing the industry to develop new flame retardant formulations and synergistic systems for specific plastic and industrial applications, in order to obtain the required fire behaviour in the final product.

Our solutions

In order to meet the requirements established by specific fire regulations for the use of flame-retarded plastics, we offer solutions for filler users and producers based on the following guidelines:

Selection of flame retardant and synergistic systems to create the best end properties and application, polymer matrices and processing technology.
Correct dispersion and compatibilisation of FR in the polymer matrix, and dispersion assessment using optical and SEM microscopy.
Replacement of halogenated flame retardants.
Lab scale and pilot plant scale trials using new additives to test their viability.
Recommendations on how to handle and process flame retardants to avoid premature decomposition while achieving good dispersion.

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Technical advice and assistance

We have over 15 years’ experience in the production of flame-retarded plastics using different kinds of FR in different polymer matrices, thanks to our participation in numerous EU-funded research projects. This has given us a unique working methodology and know-how that we apply to create the most appropriate experimental design, including the most important factors affecting flame retardant dispersion, and correct handling and processing.

We offer our experience and assistance in the following areas:

Effective mixing in co-rotating and counter-rotating TSE, to achieve good dispersion of flame-retardants.
Compounding trials using very small amounts of materials for special, expensive or rare FR.
Premixing different fillers and FR additives in a turbo mixer (dry-blend).
Direct customer assistance at company’s facilities.
Personalised training on processing FR and selecting materials (FR, polymers and synergistic systems).

Other services

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Luis Roca

Compounding