Report examines plastics flame retardants

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Feb 9, 2004

The latest Rapra Review Report aims to provide background information on flame retardant product technology, markets and applications.

Plastics are increasingly being used in applications where flame retardancy properties are critical, for example in household appliances, car interiors, cable insulation and computer casings.

A plastic flame retardant (FR) is a unique chemical compound incorporated into a plastic.

The latest Rapra Review Report, "Plastics flame retardants technology and current developments", aims to provide background information on FR product technology, FR markets and FR applications.

This information should enable the reader to appreciate the product enhancements and technology advancements in the FR marketplace today.

The earliest flame retardants comprised vinegar and alum, which were used on wood and textiles.

Today there is a much wider range of chemicals available for compounding into plastics materials.

The review sets out to describe the types of flame retardants available, mechanisms of action and uses.

There are many new regulations being issued on health, safety and the environment.

These have affected the FR industry and influence the choice of chemical in many applications.

There has been particular concern about the use of brominated chemicals, and this report briefly discusses the environmental benefits versus the possible environmental effects of these materials.

New chemicals are being developed to improve the flame retardancy of plastics materials and these are outlined here.

One of the most promising new substances is the class of polymer-clay nanocomposites, which can substantially improve performance at low levels of addition.

"Plastics flame retardants technology and current developments" provides a clear overview of the state-of-the-art of flame retardancy for plastics.

It highlights the new developments and the potential problems with legislation, together with the benefits to end users of protection from fire hazards.

The review is accompanied by around 400 abstracts from papers and books in the Rapra Polymer Library database, to facilitate further reading on this subject.

A subject index and a company index are included.

Jim and Ann Innes are President and Vice-President of Flame Retardants Associates.

Founded in 1992, this is a US-based corporation offering consulting services in the field of polymer additives, specialising in flame retardants and smoke suppressants.

James Innes has over 30 years of executive and engineering experience in a variety of companies.

Ann Innes brings over 20 years of polymer business experience including R and D, sales management, market development, and financial expertise.

The company operates on a global basis, serving clients in the USA, Europe and Asia Pacific regions.

"Plastics flame retardants technology and current developments" retails at GBP 85 (plus postage and packaging) and is available from Rapra Technology.