Plastics Color Corporation (PCC) Expands FlamaSol FR(TM) Technology to Polyethylene

Posted on April 21, 2012 by Henri VAHABI

PCC (Plastics Color Corporation), a leading supplier of color concentrates, compounds and additive masterbatches for the plastics industry, has expanded the use of its FlamaSol FR™ proprietary flame retardant technology to polyethylene (PE) formulations. PCC originally launched FlamaSol FR for polypropylene and has additional plans to develop flame retardant systems for acrylic, polystyrene, PVC, and a range of other thermoplastics.

FlamaSol FR contains no decabrome – a harmful chemical found in previous FRs in the marketplace – yet demonstrates better extinguishing results than the company’s previous flame retardant. PCC developed FlamaSol as a new option for its customers due to the phase out of decabrome by the end of 2012.

“The expansion of the FlamaSol FR line is important for our customers who are faced with challenges as they seek out effective and safe formulations for their products,” said Tim Workman, PCC vice president of business development.

FlamaSol FR is ideal for use in construction materials (electrical conduit, junction boxes, switch boxes), warehouse products (shelving and pallets), personal electronic equipment (computers, printers, and televisions) and other applications where extreme heat may cause ignition. FlamaSol FR surpasses the testing standards of UL 94 and ANSI 4996 for plastic pallets and performs better than PCC’s previous flame retardant systems. FlamaSol FR PE is targeted for use in injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding. (Source: PRWEB)

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SEM/EDX: Advanced investigation of structured fire residues and residue formation

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Henri VAHABI

This intersting article was published on March 30, 2012 in Polymer Testing.

Abstract:

Heterogeneous, gradual or structured morphology of fire residues plays an important role in fire retardancy of polymers. A scanning electron microscope with an attached energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM/EDX) is highlighted as a powerful tool for the advanced characterization of such complex fire residues, since it offers high resolution in combination with both good depth of field and analysis of chemical composition. Two examples are presented: First, comprehensive SEM/EDX investigation on a complex structured fire residue of glass fibre reinforced polyamide 6,6 (PA 66-GF) flame retarded by diethylaluminium phosphinate, melamine polyphosphate and some zinc borate. A multilayered surface crust (thickness ∼ 24 μm) covers a rather hollow area stabilized by GF glued together. The resulting efficient thermal insulation results in self-extinguishing before pyrolysis is completed, even under forced-flaming combustion. Second, sophisticated, quasi online SEM/EDX imaging of the formation of residual protection layer in layered silicate epoxy resin nanocomposites (LSEC). Burning specimens were quenched in liquid nitrogen for subsequent analyses. Different zones were distinguished in the condensed phase characterized by distinct processes such as melting and ablation of organic material, as well as agglomeration, depletion, exfoliation and reorientation of the LS. (Read More: click here)

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Dow grants third and final license for new Polymeric Flame Retardant to Albemarle

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Henri VAHABI

Dow Global Technologies LLC (DGTL), a subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company has announced a third and final license agreement for its Polymeric Flame Retardant (Polymeric FR) technology with Albermarle Corporation.

“The Polymeric FR has become the ‘next generation industry standard’ flame retardant for use in both XPS and EPS foam insulation applications globally”. Albemarle is a global leader in the development and production of flame retardants, and its commitment to this new technology, as the third and final licensee, validates the selection of the Polymeric FR as the new global industry standard flame retardant in the production of extruded polystyrene (XPS) and expanded polystyrene (EPS) foams. In March, 2011, DGTL announced the invention and development of the Polymeric FR – a stable, high molecular weight, non-PBT (Persistent, Bioaccumulative, Toxic) substance. The additive provides a fire safety solution for XPS and EPS foams enabling these thermal insulation materials to continue to meet the increasing demands of global energy efficiency regulations and sustainable building design.
“The Polymeric FR has become the ‘next generation industry standard’ flame retardant for use in both XPS and EPS foam insulation applications globally,” said Mark Whiteman, President Dow Global Technologies. “The development and licensing of the Polymeric FR is the result of years of research and development that leveraged Dow’s polymer chemistry, process science, applications know-how, and Environment, Health & Safety expertise. The development is also driven by Dow’s on-going journey to identify and develop more sustainable products and technologies designed to meet customer needs.”
Having three international licensees to produce and market the new Polymeric FR, assures global supply security and facilitates industry conversion to the new technology as XPS and EPS manufacturers’ transition to the Polymeric FR. The Polymeric FR licensees have planned large plant constructions enabling commercial volumes to become available over the coming months and years. This enables the global polystyrene foam insulation industry to make a smooth transition to the Polymeric FR.

The development of Dow’s Polymeric FR technology comes against the backdrop of an ongoing effort to develop and implement more sustainable products amid pending regulatory restrictions on HBCD initiated by the European Union’s Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemical (REACH) substances program and several other national regulations. (source: Dow)

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New Firepel® K120 FR System: Halogen-free Resins for Lighter Weight Composites

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Henri VAHABI

AOC announces its latest technology, Firepel® K120, a revolutionary new resin system which is halogen-free, fire-retardant and produces lighter weight composites.  Firepel K120 uses a unique intumescent technology that meets fire performance requirements, uses sustainable technology, and does not require antimony or aluminum trihydrate (ATH).

Firepel K120 is ideal for in mass transportation applications due to the reduced weight and fire-retardant qualities.  Parts using K120 have a potential weight savings of up to 30% compared to standard composites using antimony or ATH.

Firepel K120: Halogen-Free and ATH-Free Technology

“When developing Firepel K120, we wanted to utilize halogen-free technologies to create the highest fire-retardant and low-smoke characteristics possible,” said Fletcher Lindberg, Business Manger, Open-Mold Reinforced Resins.  “And because the resin’s excellent performance is achieved without ATH, Firepel K120 has a much lower specific gravity than ATH-filled composites, which makes it easier to process than traditional systems.  As an added benefit, tensile properties are higher with K120.”   Lindberg added, “This is break-through technology.  There is no other resin on the market that performs like K120.” (click here to read more)

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