Charlotte, North Carolina -- The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given Clariant its 'New Chemicals Program P2 Recognition Project Award' for a new-generation non-halogenated flame-retardant, Exolit OP 560, for polyurethane foams.
The product, made by Clariant's Pigments & Additives Division, is aimed at flexible PU foam used in automotive, furniture and consumer applications.
A 11 June statement from polymer additives supplier Clariant said EPA specifically cited the new fire retardant's "halogen-free unique chemistry (that) allows maximum flame retardant efficiency without the release of potentially toxic gases into the atmosphere when combusted or the production of dangerous halogenated by-products upon degradation or combustion."
Exolit OP 560 is unique as an efficient flame retardant that offers low-dosage to meet current industry fire safety standards, according to Mark Self, market segment manager for Special Applications in Clariant's Pigments & Additives Division.
"We are particularly proud of the innovation behind this achievement, because of the human-health and environmental benefits it offers," " said Self, in the Clariant statement. "The reactive flame-retardant "will chemically bind to the polymer instead of just being mixed into it. Therefore it cannot evaporate or migrate out of the polymer. This benign environmental profile is also often recognised by ecolabel programmes."
With no halogens, "The flame protection mechanism [for the new FR] involves the condensed phase of the combustion cycle and by-products are mainly contained within the char layer," explained Self.
As a result, corrosive gases are eliminated and there is less smoke. "Traditional halogenated flame-retardants release potentially toxic gases into the atmosphere when combusted and can produce halogenated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans. The unique chemistry in Exolit OP 560 allows maximum flame-retardant efficiency without the serious drawbacks associated with halogenated materials."
PIC: Clariant's new halogen free flame retardant is for use in PU foam in all types of sectors, including automotive
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