| Applicable Polymers |
Description |
Commercial Grades |
| High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) |
- Brominated FRs are the most cost-efficient materials used for imparting flame retardancy to HIPS. Phosphorous FRs are best suited for PPO-HIPS blends.
- HIPS is used in many applications due to its excellent balance of properties and low cost. Electrical/electronics and appliances are the two most important segments requiring flame retardancy in applications where the temperature does not exceed 80 °C.
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FR grades for HIPS |
| Polyolefin (PO) |
- Polyethylene, EVA — Wiring and cables (low and medium voltage) cable jacketing, automotive, building, and construction. ATH and MDH are the solutions of choice for demanding fire-resistant applications.
- Polypropylene — PP stands out at the edge between commodity and engineering plastics. They are commonly used in power cables, connectors, public facilities seats (stadium), fitting enclosures, and PP fibers (carpets, seats). MDH is the solution for demanding applications.
- TPO — The main application areas include roofing membranes, interior automotive applications, flexible cables, and shrinkable film.
Note: Brominated FRs are the most cost-efficient materials for imparting flame retardancy in PE and PP.
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| Polyamide (PA) |
- Selecting the right brominated FR for connectors is essential. MDH flame retardant allows processors to produce flame retarded PA without halogen- or phosphorous-containing compounds.
- PA applications requiring flame retardancy are components and enclosures for electrical and electronic applications.
|
FR grades for PA |
| Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) |
- Selecting the right brominated FR for connectors is important to meet material specifications and processability (thin wall) with the lowest cost possible.
|
FR grades for PBT |
| Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) |
- The best brominated FR for ABS depends strongly on the requirements of the final application. Phosphorus FRs are best suited for PC-ABS blends.
- Acrylonitrile contributes chemical resistance and heat stability; butadiene delivers toughness and impact strength; and the styrene component provides ABS with rigidity and processability.
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FR grades for ABS |
| Polyurethane Foams |
- To achieve the desired level of performance, reactive brominated FRs are recommended. The selection of the right phosphorus FR has a major impact on the final performance.
- Rigid PU foams requiring flame retardancy are essentially used for insulation in building and construction (roofing, wall sheeting), and refrigeration.
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FR grades for PU foams |
| Polyvinylchloride (PVC) |
- MDH or ATH can be added as FRs to achieve desired properties.
- PVC belongs to the group of less flammable plastics, however, plasticizer addition leads to a dramatic increase in flammability and smoke density.
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FR grades for PVC |
| Natural and Synthetic Rubbers |
- Flame retardancy of cross-linked elastomers using MDH or ATH has been state-of-the-art for many years.
- Typical applications include seals, gaskets, conveyor belts, cables, profiles, foams, or protective coverings.
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