FLAME RETARDANT MECHANISMS

Flame retardants fulfil their purpose primarily by either physical or

chemical action.

Physical action can be subdivided into three modes;

1. Cooling: An endothermic process is triggered by additives

cooling the substrate to a temperature below that required for

sustaining the combustion process.

2. Formation of protective layer: The combustible layer is

shielded from the gaseous phase with a solid or gaseous

protective layer. The oxygen required for the combustion

process is excluded and heat transfer is impeded.

3. Dilution: Fillers are incorporated that evolve inert gases on

decomposition diluting the fuel in the solid and gaseous

phase so that the lower ignition limit of the gas mixture is not

exceeded.

Chemical action can be subdivided into two modes;

1. Reaction in the solid phase: The flame retardant causes a

layer of carbon to form on the polymer surface. This can

occur through dehydration of the flame retardant forming a

carbonaceous layer by cross linking. The carbonaceous layer

acts as an insulation layer, preventing further decomposition

of the material.

2. Reaction in the gas phase: The free radical mechanism of

the combustion process that takes place in the gas phase

is interrupted. The exothermic processes are thus stopped,

the system cools down and the supply of flammable gases is

suppressed.

Novista Group supplies equivalent of FP-2100JC, FP-2200S, FP-2500S, Exolit OP1230, OP930, OP1312, OP1314 to global market.