German:
Flammschutzmittel
Spanish:
retardantes de llama
French:
retardateurs de flamme
Italian:
ritardanti di fiamma
Russian:
Огнезащитные вещества
Arabic:
امثبطات اللهب
Chinese:
阻燃剂
Japanese:
難燃剤
General overview of flame retardants
The term "flame retardants" encompasses a large group of very chemically different compounds, which minimize the flammability of combustible substances, reduce flame accumulation, or hinder fires.
Without the use of flame retardants, it would not be possible to utilize the wide range of easily flammable and combustible plastics available. Natural materials, such as wool and wood, are also capable of being protected with flame retardants. Annual worldwide consumption of flame retardants currently stands at more than 1.6 million tons, translating to a sales volume of approximately 2 billion €.
Organic flame retardants include, for example, brominated compounds, halogenated and halogen-free organophosphorus compounds, as well as chlorinated paraffins. Inorganic flame retardants include aluminum trihydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and antimony trioxide. There is a distinction between additive flame retardants, which are mixed into the material, and reactive, which react chemically with the protected material, making them permanently integrated. Other flame retardants exist, particularly for wood and textiles, which are deposited in a protective layer. Special flame retardant coatings for steel constructions develop a heat insulating layer in case of fire. This is necessary, since steel weakens at temperatures above 500°C and loses its carrying capacity.
Since flame retardants are generally relatively expensive additives, they are only applied when fire protection is absolutely necessary. There are certain regulations and standards in place, which determine particular fire protection requirements. Additive amounts vary between 10 and 20 percent for phosphorous and bromine compounds, and surpass 50 percent for aluminum trihydroxide. Several flame retardants, such as bromine compounds, are suspected to cause health issues. The first list of „substances of very high concern", that had been composed in connection with the REACH regulation of the European Union, mentions for instance HBCDD, a flame retardant for polystyrenes, and SCCP, a flame retardant for rubber, paints, and adhesives.
Comprehensive information on the 27 most important organic and 15 most important inorganic flame retardants - their characteristics, application areas, and market data, as well as legal and environmental issues - is provided in Market Study - Flame Retardants, from Ceresana Research.
Three examples of important flame retardants:
Last Revision: 13 Feb 09
