Middlebury, Connecticut-Chemtura Corp. has launched two new flame retardants for flexible polyurethane foam-Firemaster 600 and Firemaster 602-which it claims are about 10 more efficient than Firemaster 550 and Firemaster 552.
According to the manufacturer, the new products have, "outstanding scorch resistance, minimal effect upon foam processing, physical properties and cigarette smoulder as well as a favourable environmental profile."
Firemaster 602 is specifically recommended for mechanically cooled foams, said Chemtura's announcement.
Chemtura points out that flame retardant additives are generally added to flexible PU foams for furniture, mattress and automotive seating, to achieve fire safety.
Standards for flame retardance in such products are tightening, as shown by the new US
Consumer Product Safety Commission standard for mattress flammability. Chemtura added Also, society wants flame retardants that are environmentally responsible, said the Chemicals group, saying that Firemaster 600 and Firemaster 602 fulfil both these demands.
"Chemtura has proven itself an adaptive, forward-looking company with respect to our flame retardant business, and we have responded to the needs of our customers by developing Firemaster 600 and Firemaster 602," said Anne Noonan (pictured), Chemtura's vice president and general manager flame retardants & brominated performance products, in the company's announcement.
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