Inorganic Flame Retardant

Abstract

Plastics can be given flame retardant characteristics by introducing elements of organic, inorganic and halogen origin. Such elements include magnesium, aluminium, phosphorous, molybdenum, antimony, tin, chlorine and bromine. Flame retardants are added in either the manufacturing step of the polymer or the compounding step of the polymeric article. Phosphorous bromine and chlorine are usually included as some organic compound. Inorganic flame retardants are usually added together with other flame retardants to provide a more efficient flame retardant action through synergism. Halogen flame retardants usually need an addition of about 40% in order to be effective, and this affects the properties of the polymer quite negatively. Structural integrity of the polymer article is often very important, and a drastic decrease in strength and other mechanical properties is simply not acceptable. The efficiency of halogen flame retardants is often enhanced by the addition of inorganic flame retardants. A smaller mass percentage halogen flame retardant is now needed, so the adverse effect on the polymer properties is also reduced (Touval, 1993). . 4.