There have been some recent developments in a number of flame retardant materials. Production of magnesium hydroxide is set to rise to meet potential increased demand in polypropylene. Surprising benefits resulting from surface chemistry with zinc stannate and zinc hydroxy stannate has been discovered, while there has also been a review of developments with brominated flame retardants. Plastics Additives & Compounding reports.
Magnesium hydroxide has been known as an effective flame retardant filler for some time, however, its relatively high price compared with other materials has restricted its use and it has remained a niche product. The growing interest in low smoke and fume flame retardant composites offers new opportunities for magnesium hydroxide, particularly as a flame retardant for thermoplastics such as polypropylene. Flamemag International, along with other manufacturers, is bringing new capacity and technology for magnesium hydroxide production on stream and is now looking to deliver effective products and significantly lower costs.
According to Flamemag International, the case for magnesium hydroxide as an effective flame retardant is well documented.