Flame Retardants for Plastics and Textiles

Frontmatter

1. Introduction

Abstract

The term “flame retardants” should be clearly understood to mean materials (additive or reactive) that deter or extinguish flame propagation under standard laboratory test conditions. The definition set forth by the relevant ASTM terminology subcommittee for a flame retardant chemical is “a chemical which, when added to a combustible material, delays ignition and reduced flame spread of the resulting material when exposed to flame impingement” [1].

Edward D. Weil, Sergei V. Levchik

2. Flame Retardants in Commercial Use or Development for Polyolefins, Olefin Copolymers, and Diene Elastomers

Abstract

In this chapter, the authors concentrate on presently used and developing technology for flame retarding polyolefins, including those copolymers that have properties mainly reflecting their aliphatic hydrocarbon components. Polyolefin polymers that will be discussed in this chapter include the principal homopolymers, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polybutenes, copolymers with other olefins, copolymers with vinyl monomers such as vinyl acetate, and the ethylene-propylene rubbers.

Edward D. Weil, Sergei V. Levchik

3. Flame Retardants in Commercial Use or Development for Polystyrenes, Thermoplastic Styrene Copolymers, and Blends

Abstract

In the present chapter, we will cover each main type of styrenic polymers, foamed, high impact polystyrene (HIPS), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), and HIPS-polyphenylene oxide (PPO). Styrene-butadiene elastomers are discussed in the chapter on polyolefins and diene elastomers. Other reviews on styrenic flame retardancy published in recent years have encompassed the theory as well as mixing and test methods, rather than focusing on the flame retardant chemicals [1, 2].

Edward D. Weil, Sergei V. Levchik

4. Flame Retardants in Commercial Use or Development for Vinyl Chloride Polymers

Abstract

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the world’s third largest plastic in terms of sales. Its success is the result of low price, extraordinary versatility, and stability to weathering. According to a recent (2014) market research study, global demand for PVC may grow by 3.2 % annually through 2021, especially driven by applications in construction.

Edward D. Weil, Sergei V. Levchik

5. Flame Retardants in Commercial Use or Development for Flame Retardancy of Polyamides

Abstract

Thermoplastic polyamides have applications in electrical, electronic, automotive, and other industrial resin applications, and also in textiles that will be discussed (with some overlap) in a separate chapter. Many of the applications require flame retardancy. Reviews of the thermal decomposition of polyamides, their fire properties and flame retardant technologies has been published by the present authors, covering the literature and patents subsequent to 1970 [1, 2].

Edward D. Weil, Sergei V. Levchik

6. Flame Retardants in Commercial Use or Development for Thermoplastic Polyesters

Abstract

The principal polyesters covered in this chapter are polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), poly(cyclohexanedimethanol terephthalate), and the relatively new poly(1,3-propanediyl) terephthalate or poly(trimethylene) terephthalate (PTT). There are also hybrid products with two different glycol or acid components. Another family of polyesters is made from both aromatic diols plus aromatic dicarboxylic acids; these are the polyarylates, which are inherently flame resistant.

Edward D. Weil, Sergei V. Levchik

7. Flame Retardants in Commercial Use or Development for Polycarbonates and Polycarbonate Blends

Abstract

This chapter deals only with the commercial aspects of polycarbonates and their principal blends. Another publication by the authors discussed the decomposition of polycarbonates and their flame retardancy chemistry from a more basic point of view and also covered a wider range of publications and patents, whether commercially applied or not [1].

Edward D. Weil, Sergei V. Levchik

8. Flame Retardants in Commercial Use or Development for Unsaturated Polyester, Vinyl Resins, Phenolics

Abstract

This chapter covers three main classes of commercial flame retardant thermoset resins – the unsaturated polyesters, the vinyl esters (often made from epoxies), and the phenolics. Epoxies are covered in Chapter 10. Other thermoset types, such as triazines, cyanates, bismaleimides, furfural, and urea-aldehyde resins tend to be inherently difficultly flammable and are thus outside of our scope.

Edward D. Weil, Sergei V. Levchik

9. Flame Retardants in Commercial Use or Development for Polyurethanes, Polyisocyanurates, and Polyureas

Abstract

The main applications of polyurethanes are in rigid foams, flexible foams, coatings, and elastomers. The closely related isocyanurate foams, which are often partly polyurethanes, are included in this chapter. Flame retarding is dealt with only briefly in monographs on polyurethanes such as by Szycher [1] and Oertel [2]. A comprehensive review of flame retardants for polyurethanes was published in 1975 by Papa [3].

Edward D. Weil, Sergei V. Levchik

10. Flame Retardants in Commercial Use or Development for Epoxy Resins

Abstract

This chapter covers materials currently available or that appear to be in serious development. The application areas for epoxy resins are electrical laminates and encapsulation resins, construction materials, adhesives, and protective coatings. When cured, epoxies have good electrical properties, good adhesion, low shrinkage, and resistance to heat, to mechanical shock, to solvents, and to chemicals.

Edward D. Weil, Sergei V. Levchik

11. Flame Retardants in Commercial Use or Development for Textiles

Abstract

The demand for textile flame retardancy is mainly in work clothing, firefighter apparel, institutional draperies, institutional upholstery, institutional and commercial carpet, transportation (especially aircraft where blankets and seat covers must pass Federal requirements), military garments, professional racers garments, and bedding. General adult apparel is almost never flame retarded because of lack of consumer demand and lack of mandated standards.

Edward D. Weil, Sergei V. Levchik

12. Comments on Flammability and Smoke Tests Useful in Development

Abstract

This brief discussion of test methods is not intended to be exhaustive or to provide operating instructions, but only as an aid to the reader in identifying the test methods and standards that we mention elsewhere in this book, and which are of frequent use in research and formulation development.

Edward D. Weil, Sergei V. Levchik

13. Overview of Modes of Action and Interaction of Flame Retardants

Abstract

We present an abbreviated discussion here and refer the reader to more detailed reviews published elsewhere [1–3, 14]. We believe that it is helpful for the compounder to have some understanding of the mode of action of the various flame retardants, so as to facilitate the best choices to meet required standards, to make use of the many favorable combinations possible, and to be cautious about conflicting combinations.

Edward D. Weil, Sergei V. Levchik

14. Further Sources for Flame Retardancy Information (Updated 2014)

Abstract

ASTM Committee E-5 on Fire Standards, Subcommittee E05.31 on Terminology and Editorial.

Edward D. Weil, Sergei V. Levchik

Backmatter