High-performance, low environmental impact Exolit® flame retardants from Clariant at JEC Composites Show

Muttenz, April 13, 2010 - Specialty chemicals expert Clariant is highlighting its Exolit® high-performance halogen-free flame retardants at Europe’s biggest composites exhibition, the JEC Composites Show in Paris on April 13-15, at stand S7. Exolit additives are suitable for use in composites based on various thermosetting resins as well as reinforced thermoplastic compounds.

Demands from finished product specifiers, consumers and legislators in relation to flame retardance, and the materials that are used to achieve it, continue to increase. This is particularly the case in consumer electronics, where major brands are now expected to show their ‘green’ credentials, and similar trends are also to be seen in other markets, such as public transport.

Clariant’s Exolit flame retardant additives help meet these demands. Virtually all traditional flame retardants for plastics have at least one “Achilles’ heel”: some provide excellent flame resistance but are considered unfriendly to the environment; others are only effective when used at addition rates that negatively affect the mechanical properties of the composite.

Exolit grades are based on phosphorus chemistry. Depending on the composite polymer and the application, users can choose from additives that contain ammonium polyphosphates, organic phosphorus compounds, or red phosphorus as the active ingredient. There are grades suitable for polyamides, polypropylenes, thermoplastic and thermosetting polyesters, polyurethanes, epoxies and phenolic resins. Coatings (including polyester gel coats), adhesives and sealants too can benefit from their properties.

Phosphinate-based organic systems for thermoplastic composites based on polyamides and polyesters enable the materials to comply with the most stringent fire protection classifications and key electrical standards, even when used at low addition levels. In addition, they are compliant with the EU WEEE and RoHS Directives relating to recycling and use of hazardous substances.

Clariant offers intumescent Exolit grades based on ammonium polyphosphate. Because they are so effective, these additives can be used in much lower doses than less-expensive aluminium trihydroxide (ATH). Filler content can be reduced by up to 50 percent. The grades can also be used in synergistic blends with ATH, in various thermosetting resins as well as in reinforced polypropylene compounds.

The reduction in additive content has an important effect on overall weight, which can be critical in a variety of applications, but especially in vehicles, whether it be for components in the engine compartment or for body panels.

Highly effective Exolit flame retardants based on red phosphorus have established themselves in flame retardante glass-reinforced polyamides as well as in various casting systems. They have excellent electrical properties.

Clariant flame retardant experts Mathias Dietz and Heinz-Peter Zopes will be on the company’s stand, S7, throughout the show to handle product enquiries.

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