Enhanced safety through new breed of flame retardants

The global flame retardants market is projected to reach US$15.88 billion by 2032, up from US$ 9.38 billion in 2023, with a CAGR of 6.03% between 2025 and 2033, according to a report from Research and Markets. Some of the key elements fueling the market are the growing usage of flame retardants in the aerospace sector, the increased focus on fire safety standards and regulations across industries, and the launch of bio-based flame retardants made from renewable resources.

One of the main elements favorably impacting the market is the growing emphasis on fire safety rules and regulations across a range of sectors, according to the report.  A positive market outlook is also provided by the growing usage of flame retardants in the automotive industry to make interior components like dashboards, seats, and wiring harnesses that put out fires in the event of an accident. Aside from this, the electronics sector's growing reliance on flame retardants to safeguard equipment and stop electrical fires is fueling the market's expansion. Furthermore, strict safety regulations are being implemented by regulatory and governing agencies across the globe to lower the danger of fires and safeguard people and property.

Constant innovation in flame retardant technology is another important driver of market expansion. Additionally, a positive market outlook is provided by the increased focus on creating flame retardants that are less hazardous and environmentally benign. In addition, a larger customer base is being drawn in by the introduction of bio-based flame retardants that come from renewable sources.   

Halogen-free flame retardant (HFFR) for PP in extrusion and injection molding

As an alternative to flame retardants containing chlorine or bromine, Tosaf has highly active, halogen-free flame retardants (HFFR) in its portfolio. These more sustainable solutions make it possible to meet customer requirements and corresponding legal requirements. Type FR8719PP is specifically designed to meet the flame retardant requirements of polypropylene in injection molding and extrusion applications.

Without compromising on efficiency and even at very low concentrations, FR8719PP helps prevent the spread of fires and meet strict fire safety criteria in applications such as construction, automotive and shipping packaging, without compromising the properties of the material. For example, PP pipes retain their high impact strength, dimensional stability and chemical resistance without restriction after switching to halogen-free flame retardancy. Unlike many halogen-based flame retardants, FR8719 does not show any migration of the active substances over the long term, and at the same time, PP products treated with it offer significantly higher UV resistance.

The very good dispersion of FR8719PP in sprayed and extruded PP-based products is one reason for the very high efficiency of this HFFR flame retardant. This not only enables a relatively low dosage and thus the preservation of the mechanical properties to a large extent, but also uniform flame retardancy over the entire product. In addition, the low potential for dye build-up (DBU) offers a significant processing advantage over other halogen-free solutions on the market.

The choice of flame retardant depends largely on which classification according to UL94 is to be achieved. For example, to meet the requirements of class V-2, flame retardants in low concentrations are sufficient to eliminate the free radicals formed by the heat of combustion and thus suppress the fire. Only in higher concentrations do they also prevent burning droplets, as required by the UL94 V-0 classification.

For optimal ratios between effect and concentration, Tosaf has developed an extensive portfolio of halogen-free flame retardants that differ from each other in their flame retardant systems and meet individual priorities. Their dosage ranges from 3% to 10% and depends on the desired classification, the type and melt index (MFI) of the PP, the thickness of the part and the simultaneous presence of other additives. In contrast, intumescent halogen-free flame retardants require a dose of over 20% to achieve similar performance.

In addition to developing new HFFR flame retardants that do not harm health or the environment, Tosaf also meets the continuing need for halogen-based products. They combine high thermal stability with high performance to meet strict fire standards without compromising the properties of the product. For example, brominated flame retardant is FR6413PE suitable for all types of PP pipes, while chlorinated cost-effective flame retardants such as FR0049 can be used equally for PE and PP.

Flame retardant solutions for wire and cable 

Avient Corporation announced an expansion of its ECCOH™ XL Cross-Linkable Flame Retardant Solutions with the launch of ECCOH XL 8054. Developed for low smoke and fume wire and cable insulation, this solution can meet stringent electrical and electronic fire safety regulations in Europe.

One of the key advantages of ECCOH XL 8054 is its excellent processability due to its ability to meet the Commission Electrotechnique Internationale (CEI) EN 50363-0:2015 standards, namely G17 and G18, and adhere to the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) for enhanced fire safety. Compared to traditional elastomeric compounds, it can be processed using standard single-screw extrusion equipment, eliminating the need for a continuous vulcanisation (CV) line. This streamlined manufacturing process can not only reduce production costs but also increase line speed, offering a cost-effective and efficient solution for manufacturers.

ECCOH XL 8054 also excels in mechanical properties, with high elongation at break and outstanding performance in the Hot Set Test at 250°C. With these attributes, it can be used in a variety of applications, including shipbuilding, railways, building and construction, and solar cables.

"We are dedicated to providing a smooth integration of ECCOH XL 8054 for our customers,” said Hermann Fuechter, Senior Marketing & Product Manager EMEA, Specialty Engineered Materials at Avient. “Our advanced development and technical services teams offer a collaborative strategy to optimize equipment and processes, enabling a seamless transition and enhanced performance."