Flame retardants.

ACCURATE COLOR INC.

Offers flame-retardant concentrates. Formulations can be tailored to customer requirements.

ACETO CORP.

Offers phosphate flame retardants for flexible and rigid polyurethanes: tris-(beta-chloroethyl) phosphate and tris-(beta-chloropropyl) phosphate.

ADELL PLASTICS, INC.

Produces flame-retardant thermoplastic concentrates on a custom and proprietary basis. Specializes in engineered applications. Concentrates of other additives and multifunctional concentrates also available.

AKROCHEM CORP.

Supplies alumina trihydrates, magnesium hydroxide and magnesium carbonates, and chlorinated paraffins.

AKZO NOBEL INC.

Offers Fyrol halogenated phosphate ester flame retardants for flexible and rigid urethanes. Products meet numerous industry and governmental standards, and reportedly allow urethane foam producers to produce FR foams cost-effectively.

ALBEMARLE CORP.

Offers the Saytex line of flame-retardant brominated additives and reactives for plastics and elastomers. Saytex 120 tetradecabromodiphenoxy benzene is said to offer outstanding heat stability in engineering thermoplastics. Additional flame-retardant products include:

* Saytex RB-100 tetrabromo-bisphenol-A for epoxy.

* Saytex 111 octabromodiphenyloxide, a low-cost, melt-blending flame retardant for ABS, PS, and nylons.

* Saytex RB-79 and RB49 brominated polyols for rigid urethane foam.

* Saytex 102E decabromodiphenyl oxide for engineering plastics.

* Saytex BCL-462 and Saytex HBCD for EPS and foamed PS.

* Sayrex RB-49 tetrabromophthalic anhydride for unsaturated polyester.

* Saytex BN-451 for low-cost UL 94V-2 PP.

* Saytex BT-93 ethylene-bis (tetrabromophthalimide) for PS, polyolefins, and polyesters.

* Saytex VBR vinyl bromide, a reactive monomer for low-cost bromine addition.

* Saytex 8010 flame retardant for HIPS and ABS applications, especially in electronic housings.

ALBRIGHT & WILSON AMERICAS

Phosphorus- and chlorophosphorus-based organic flame retardants offered for use in rigid and flexible polyurethane foams, textiles, rigid RIM, unsaturated polyesters, epoxy- and phenolic-based laminates, and epoxy resins. Coated red phosphorus, ammonium polyphosphates and a complete range of phosphate ester flame-retardant plasticizers also available for PVC, urea/formaldehyde, elastomers, engineering plastics, polyolefins, and epoxy resins.

ALCAN CHEMICALS

Supplies alumina trihydrates for use as flame-retardant and smoke-suppressant fillers in rubber and plastics. Various grades available, including low-viscosity and coated products.

Also supplies Flamtard H and Flamtard S, inorganic flame-retardant additives used in conjunction with chlorine or bromine, either as a part of the polymer backbone or in additive form. Features of Flamtard H and S include low smoke and carbon monoxide evolution, and low toxicity.

Flamtard Z, ultrafine zinc borate and Flamtard M7, magnesium hydroxide also offered.

ALLIED CUSTOM GYPSUM

Supplies Valu-Fil gypsum, a filler that acts as a flame retardant by releasing bound water at temperatures above 230 F. Unlike alumina trihydrate, it's non-abrasive and less expensive. Median particle size is 16.8 microns. Typical applications are in unsaturated polyester spray-up.

ALUCHEM INC.

Offers hydrated alumina flame-retardant/smoke-suppressant fillers. Available in twenty-one standard grades in particle-size distributions ranging from 65% to 100% minus 325 mesh, with median particle sizes of 4-30 microns. Also specialty superfine ground aluminas with a median particle size of 1.5 microns and a top size of less than 10 microns.

Twelve grades of cost-effective hydrated alumina/calcium carbonate blends also available.

ALUMINUM CO. OF AMERICA (ALCOA)

Offers a series of ground white hydrated alumina fire retardants/smoke suppressants in a range of particle sizes. Typical applications are in polyester spray-up and molding compounds, epoxy, phenolic, flexible PVC, urethane foam, and some rigid urethanes. Also offered are two extremely fine precipitated white aluminas, Hydral 710 and 705, with median particle sizes of 1.0 micron and 0.5 micron, respectively. These ultrafine grades are said to be particularly beneficial where finished product flexibility is critical.

AMERIBROM, INC. SUB. OF DEAD SEA BROMINE GROUP

Ameribrom's flame retardants are represented exclusively in North America through AmeriHaas, a joint marketing venture with Rohm and Haas.

Line of brominated flame retardants includes decabromodiphenyl oxide, dibromoneopentyl glycol and tribromoneopentyl alcohol (reactives used in urethanes and unsaturated polyesters), hexabromocyclododecane (for specialty styrenics and coatings), tetrabromobisphenol-A (reactive used in epoxies and unsaturated polyesters), and tribromophenyl allyl ether (for foams). F-2000 series brominated epoxy resins available in molecular weights of 700 to 45,000.

For engineering polymers, in addition to decabromodiphenyl oxide, company offers a white, melt-blendable brominated acrylic polymeric flame retardant (FR-1025) with excellent uv stability, permanence, improved flow and flame-retardant efficiency. Monomer pentabromobenzylmonoacrylate (FR-1025M) also available on a developmental basis.

Several new products emerging from commercial development can be applied with engineering resins, such as tribromophenyl maleimide (FR-1033) for styrenic resins and grafting on olefins, and a tribromostyrene (FR-803) for styrenic-based systems. Latter three products are suitable for standard reaction systems, and as stable powders at ambient temperatures, they allow reaction extrusion.

AMERICHEM INC.

Flame-retardant concentrates are available either custom-made or from the company's formulations. Products available for use in most thermoplastics in pellets, cubes and powders. Concentrates can incorporate color and/or other additives.

AMERIHAAS

See Ameribrom, Inc.

AMPACET CORP.

Flame-retardant concentrate No. 11341 is used in polyolefin film extrusion and injection molding. Product reportedly meets ASTM test D-635.

Concentrate FR 11371 reportedly can be processed at 600 F without adverse side effects. It is suitable for HDPE, LDPE and their copolymers. Applications are said to include extrusion coating of scrims for canvas replacement, construction paper and films, disposable clothing, and oil-can stock.

Concentrate FR 40173 has a maximum operating temperature of 520 F and is aimed primarily at untilled PP. Its ability to disperse thoroughly and uniformly throughout the polymer reportedly makes it suitable for mono- and multifilament extrusion. Other applications are carpet backing, face yarn, rope, injection molded chairs, pipe fittings, and extruded film, sheet, and profiles.

AMSPEC CHEMICAL CORP.

Antimony oxide offered in high-tint, low-tint, and high-purity grades. Flame-retardant solid concentrates and organic-based liquid dispersions of flame retardants and other polymer additives provided in various carriers as custom made value-added products.

ANZON INC.

Supplies a variety of grades of antimony oxide, which include high-tint TMS, low-tint Trutint, and submicron Microfine. Grades available as dry powders; damped with oils, water or plasticizers; as dispersions in oils, water or plasticizers; or predispersed in nondusting forms under the tradenames of Fyrebloc for pellet concentrates and Envirostrand for a high-loading patented strand product.

Fyrebloc and Envirostrand products can also incorporate other flame retardants, such as halogens, in addition to antimony, and can be tailored to suit application requirements. A range of standard products available to suit most polymer applications.

Other antimony flame-retardant products include Oncor, which has a silicate core to give lower tint strength, specific gravity and costs, with easier dispersion than antimony oxide alone; and SAP products designed primarily for PET and very low-tint applications.

Smokebloc smoke suppressants and inorganic flame-retardant synergists are primarily designed for PVC, but have found application in other polymer areas. Products include Ongard 2, a magnesium/zinc complex with strong smoke suppressancy and flame, retardant synergism; AZ products, which incorporate both antimony and zinc chemistry; and Smokebloc Eleven and Twelve, which incorporate antimony and molybdenum chemistry.

In addition, company distributes Ultracarb, a nonhalogenated flame retardant/smoke suppressant manufactured by a British company.

ASARCO INC.

Four grades of antimony oxide include low-tint, high-tint, very-high-tint, and ultra-pure types. The odorless, fine white crystalline powder is produced in 30,000-lb lots, which means fewer lots per truckload for more consistent processing. Products packaged in 50-lb multiwalled bags, palletized and stretch-wrapped for easy handling.

BUCKMAN LABORATORIES, INC.

Busan 11-M1 modified barium meta-borate is used as a synergist in most plastics. As with antimony trioxide, halogens are usually required for the additive to function. Levels of 842 phr are recommended for initial evaluation; levels as low as 2 phr reportedly have worked in some PVC formulations. According to the company, Busan 11-M1 can be used as an extender or replacement for antimony trioxide. It is also said to be an afterglow suppressant and to help reduce the amount of toxic fumes and/or smoke during combustion, and to impart uv stabilization to films, coatings, and plastics. It is a registered biocide for long-term control of fungal growth.

BURNS & RUSSELL CO.

Offers S/G 84 Type 34 additive for flame and smoke supression when used in BMC, SMC and spray-up processes utilizing polyester, PVC, PP, PE and other resins. Halogen free, but compatible with halogenated systems. Works through a a combination synergistic mechanism, which includes dehydration, among other things. Does not cause significant loss in physical property performance.

CLIMAX PERFORMANCE MATERIALS SUB. OF AMAX INC.

Offers molybdenum trioxide, ammonium octamolybdate and a range of zinc borates as smoke suppressants and flame retardants in rigid and flexible PVC and halogenated polyesters. Recommended use levels are in the 1-4 phr range.

Selection of zinc borates depends on the maximum processing temperature and specific formulation. Applications include plastisols and coatings, as well as compounded thermoplastics and elastomers. Recommended use levels are in the 2-6 phr range.

Molybdenum compounds and zinc borates reportedly are effective in some systems as the sole synergists and may be combined with antimony oxide, phosphates, alumina trihydrate and magnesium hydroxide. Primary applications are in transportation and construction.

Also offers Hydramax alumina trihydrate and magnesium hydroxide ultrafine flame retardants and smoke suppressants. Small particle sizes (down to 1 micron in diam.) provide protection at lower loading levels and have less deleterious effect on physical properties of the polymer. MgOH grades are for use in polymers (nylon, PBT, PP) processed at temperatures above 480 F. ATH grades are for materials (polyethylene) processed at lower temperatures; wire and cable is a major market. Both provide endothermic fire-retardant action. All ultrafine products can be supplied with special surface treatments that avoid agglomeration and promote dispersion.

COZ CORP. SUB. OF ALLIED PRODUCTS CORP.

Flame-retardant concentrates in PS, ABS, and polyolefin bases can be supplied for varying letdown ratios.

CUSTOM GRINDERS SALES, INC.

Offers standard grades of alumina trihydrate between 5% minus 325 mesh (average particle size about 55 microns) and 100% passing 325 mesh (average about 1.5 microns). Available in 50-lb bags, bulk bags, and bulk truckloads.

White and Bayer hydrates available, as well as custom grinds and blends of hydrate and calcium carbonate and/or calcium sulfate.

CYTEC INDUSTRIES UNIT OF AMERICAN CYANAMID CO. Has experimental, nonhalogenated, phosphorus-based products for polyolefins and specialty polymers. No commercial products are currently available.

D.J. ENTERPRISES INC.

Offers Sillum PL-200 (SPL200) flame-retardant filler blend of alumina and silica; and Ferro-Char B-44M organo metallocene compound for smoke suppression, which can be used with other flame retardants. Recommended for thermoplastics, PVC, urethane, epoxy and other polymers.

DOVER CHEMICAL CORP.

Chlorinated paraffins include Chlorez resin grades (70% chlorine) and Paroil and Chloroflo liquid grades (20-70% chlorine). Liquid grades serve the dual function of plasticizer and flame retardant in plastics and elastomers. Resin grades serve as low-cost flame-retardant extenders for chlorinated rubber, epoxies, etc. Their high halogen content offers maximum flame retardancy in polyolefins, urethanes, and unsaturated polyesters. Also offered is Chlorez 760, a 74% chlorine resin with ultra-high melt point of 320 F. It is recommended for polyolefins and styrenics.

DYNEPCO INC.

Offers flame-retardant concentrates for engineering resins on a toll basis.

ELF ATOCHEM NORTH AMERICA INC.

Included in the Thermoguard series of antimony-based products are Thermoguard S high-tinting antimony oxide, Thermoguard L low-tinting grade, Thermoguard S-800 nondusting antimony oxide, and Thermoguard FR antimonate for engineering plastics. Thermoguard CPA is a proprietary flame retardant designed specifically as a low-cost replacement for antimony oxide. Concentrates of antimony oxide and decabromobiphenyl ether, as well as custom concentrates also available.

Thermoguard 200 series of brominated epoxies is miscible and reactive with engineering thermoplastics and thermosets. These high-molecular-weight products are nonblooming, non-migratory and noncorrosive.

Pyronil 45, a 45%-aromatic bromine liquid, is for use in PVC, HIPS, ABS, PC, PBT, modified PPE, epoxy, urethane and unsaturated polyester. Said to have very low levels of acute or cumulative toxicity, it is marketed both as a replacement for phosphate esters in flexible PVC because of its high heat stability and low effect on product color, and as a full or partial replacement for other brominated flame retardants in other thermoplastics.

ETHYL CORP.

Now Albemarle Corp.

FERRO CORP. KEIL CHEMICAL DIV.

Offers thermally-stable, brominated, polymeric additives for engineering thermoplastics and styrenics. Includes Pyro-Chek 68PB AND Pyro-Chek LM flame retardants based on brominated polystyrene. Also offers Bromoklor bromo-chlorinated aliphatic compounds effective as high-halogen plasticizers.

FMC CORP.

Kronitex triaryl phosphate esters are flame-retardant plasticizers for PVC, cellulosics, and other thermoplastics. Kronitex 50 and 100 are reportedly less expensive to use than TCP, TXP or the mixed alkyl-aryl phosphate esters, and offer rapid fluxing in calendering compounds, as well as good viscosity, stability and rapid fusion in plastisols.

Kronitex 3600, a mixed alkyl-aryl phosphate, reportedly offers excellent low-temperature plasticizer efficiency in vinyl. It also produces less than haft the volume of smoke than typical triaryl phosphates and finds use in wire and cable jackets, vinyl-covered fabric, and Vinyl general-purpose compounds requiring low smoke and good flame resistance.

PB-460, a solid brominated aromatic phosphate ester, is aimed at PBT, PET, polycarbonate, PPE alloys and engineering resin alloys of polyesters and polycarbonate. Uses include computer and business machines, electronic components, printed circuit boards and fibers. Key characteristics are said to include melt-blendable processing (melting point at 230 F); thermal stability, retaining its transparent colorless appearance to 575 F; and high flame-retardant efficiency, allowing the compounder to reduce or eliminate use of antimony oxide or other flame-retardant additives. PB-460 has also found application in epoxy paper-based laminates, polyester fiber required to meet flame-retardant specifications, and clear polycarbonate sheet and film.

PB-370, a solid brominated aliphatic phosphate ester, is melt blendable at 355 F and has primary applications in PP, molding and fiber grades, and as a replacement for decabromodiphenyl oxide. PB-400 has a high bromine and phosphorous content, and its good thermal properties offer color stability or clear colorless compounds. It also finds use in styrenic compounds such as HIPS.

FOCUS CHEMICAL CORP.

Markets halogen/phosphorus compounds, both reactive and additive, for use primarily in polyurethane and polyester formulations. Products include dimethylmethyl phosphonate, triethyl-phosphate, and trischloroethyl phosphate. Zinc borate also available.

FRANKLIN INDUSTRIAL MINERALS

Produces alumina trihydrate particle sizes from 2.5 to 3.0 microns. Also calcium sulfate for use as a flame retardant in polyester spray-up. Custom blends of either ATH or calcium sulfate with Amical calcium carbonate serve as cost-effective systems for spray-up.

GENERAL COLOR CO.

Aluminum phosphohydrate, which contains substantial moisture, may be used as a flame retardant. It is said to mix readily with powders or pellets prior to fabrication.

GEORGIA MARBLE CO.

Provides alumina trihydrate with flame-retardant and smoke-suppressant properties when used as a filler in polymeric materials. Recommended for SMC, BMC, PVC, thermosets, thermoplastics, elastomeric copolymer, wire and cable. Available in fine to medium grade, both white and off-white.

GE SILICONES

SFR 100, a high-viscosity silicone fluid, may be used as a flame retardant in polyolefins and requires no antimony oxide when compounded properly with a Group IIA metal organic salt and other ingredients. Product will improve impact resistance of olefins, especially at low temperatures. It also results in easier mold fill and lower-temperature processing. When properly formulated, the flame-retarded plastic can meet UL 94V-0/V5 flammability criteria.

GREAT LAKES CHEMICAL CORP.

Additive brominated flame retardants are supplied for thermoplastic and thermoset resins. Additive types include decabromodiphenyl oxide (DE-83R), bistribromophenoxyethane (FF-680), octabromodiphenyl oxide (DE-79), pentabromodiphenyl oxide (DE-71), dibromopolyphenylene oxide (PO-64P), polydibromostyrene in two molecular-weight variations (PDBS-10 and PDBS-80), and two carbonate oligomers of tetrabromobisphenol A (BC-52 and BC-58), which are compounded into thermoplastics such as HIPS, ABS, PP, PE, nylon, and polyester. Products are also used for LDPE and EPDM wire and cable insulation. Tetrabromophthalate ester (DP-45) is suggested for flexible PVC.

Reactive brominated flame retardants are tetrabromobisphenol A (BA-59P), bishydroxyethyl ether of TBBA (BA-50P), and tetrabromophthalic anhydride (PHT-4) for epoxies and unsaturated polyesters. Dibromostyrene can be reacted into any polymer system to replace styrene monomer. For rigid urethanes, a diol of tetrabromophthalic anhydride (PHT-4 Diol) is used as a reactive flame retardant, while pentabromodiphenyl oxide (DE-60F Special, DE-61 and DE-62) and Firemaster 642 (a proprietary halogenated phosphate ester) may be used as an additive system for flexible urethane foam. For expanded polystyrene foam, hexabromocyclododecane (CD-75P) and tetrabromobisphenol A-bis allyl ester (BE-51) are recommended.

Intumescent flame retardants are available as alternatives to conventional brominated products. NH-1511 and NH-1197 are phosphorus-based flame retardants for polypropylene, polyethylene, thermoplastic polyester and epoxy resins.

Flame retardants are available in liquids or solids, and with a wide range of organic bromine content, melt points, and organic solubilities.

HARWICK CHEMICAL CORP.

Offers antimony oxide, zinc borate, solid and liquid chlorinated paraffins, alumina trihydrate, magnesium hydroxide, and phosphate ester plasticizers. Fyraway flame retardants are proprietary blends of various flame-retardant additives for ease of handling and lower flame-retardant costs. Custom blends and concentrates available.

HOECHST CELANESE CORP.

Offers several grades of Hostaflam ammonium polyphosphate-based flame retardants for polyurethane foams, thermoplastics, elastomers, and thermosets.

HOWARD INDUSTRIES

Produces flame-retardant concentrates with additive loadings up to 98% for PE, PP, nylon, HIPS, and other resins.

KENRICH PETROCHEMICALS INC.

Ken-React pyrophosphate-derived titanate coupling agents are said to act also as flame retardants. When used with mineral fillers, they reportedly enhance flame resistance without an increase in cost or handling difficulty or loss of physical and rheological properties relative to untilled or lightly rifled compounds. Product is said to prevent splaying or exudation of antimony oxide/halogen-type systems from polymeric binders.

LAROCHE CHEMICALS, INC.

Offers high-purity hydrated aluminas used as flame retardants/smoke suppressants in thermosets and thermoplastics, such as polyester SMC, BMC, and spray-up. Various particle sizes available for specific applications.

LAUREL INDUSTRIES INC.

Offers Ultrafine II antimony oxide, which has an average size of 0.20 to 0.40 microns, to improve physical properties in most thermoplastics, elastomers, and thermosets.

Fireshield L and H grades, in particle sizes of 2.5-3.5 and 1-1.8 microns respectively, offered. Fireshield L has lower tint strength and Fireshield H is less degrading of physical properties.

Provides HPM high-purity antimony oxide for fiber, electronic, and specialty applications.

Supplies LSFR proprietary low-smoke, flame-retardant synergist for PVC and other polymers.

Specialty Compounding Div. provides toll compounding and custom compounding services. Product capabilities include pre-color, color concentrates, FR concentrates and additive concentrates. Can process a variety of resins including ABS, PC, nylon, PET, PBT, PP and PE.

THE R.J. MARSHALL CO.

Offers alumina trihydrate, calcium sulfate (gypsum) and magnesium hydroxide separately and in combinations. Products provide controlled flame-retardant and smoke-suppressant properties at various effective temperatures.

MELAMINE CHEMICALS, INC.

Superfine melamine crystal is a non-toxic, environmentally safe fire retardant suitable for use in a wide range of foams and other materials. Melamine, a basic monomer (2,4,6-triamino 1,3,5-s-triazine), is 66.6% nitrogen, sublimes at 660 F, and will not ignite. With a mean particle size of 10 microns, the crystal is reportedly the finest grind available.

MILES INC.

Disflamoll phosphoric add esters serve as flame-retardant plasticizers in PVC. Line includes various aryl, alkyl, and alkylaryl esters.

MONMOUTH PLASTICS INC.

Flame-retardant concentrates are for use in PE and PP. At proper letdowns, they meet specifications of UL, NFPA, and SAE.

MONSANTO CO.

Santicizer nonhalogenated phosphate ester plasticizers and resin modifiers for PVC, cellulose acetate, and engineering thermoplastics offer properties such as low smoke, low-temperature flexibility, fast fusion, low volatility, FDA acceptability, and improved flowability for glass-filled polymer systems.

Phos-Chek, P/30 and P/40 ammonium polyphosphate-based flame retardants traditionally used for intumescent surface coatings. Also low-smoke, nonhalogen additives specifically designed for plastics such as PP, PE (LDPE, HDPE, and crosslinked), and polyurethanes. Phos-Chek can be used in textiles and building materials (wall coverings, ceiling tiles, roofing products, and chip board).

Tetrathal tetrachlorophthalic anhydride is a reportedly versatile, permanent, low-cost flame retardant for polyester resins used in construction, transportation, and chemical and food preparation equipment.

MONTEDISON USA INC.

MF-80 polymeric flame retardant imparts an intumescent char-forming action to polyolefins and urethane foams when blended with ammonium polyphosphate. Provides UL 94V-0 and nonsmoking and nontoxic properties. Available in powder form, the system does not contain halogens or metallic compounds. Typical application is in PP. With higher loading levels, the system can be used in ethylene-propylene copolymers, PE, PS, and polybutylene. Mechanical and physical properties of the base polymer are said to be unaffected because of the low loadings required.

MORTON INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Furnishes Versamag magnesium hydroxide and Elastocarb magnesium carbonate for various polymers as flame retardants and smoke suppressants. Versamag Tech powder and Elastocarb Tech Light provided for rigid PVC and polyurethanes in 25-40 phr for smoke suppression. Special grades of Versamag used in PE and PP at 50-60% loadings to achieve UL 94 V-0 and main-rain polymer melt flow and physical properties. Treated grades of Versamag and Elastocarb also available.

OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORP.

Dechlorane Plus chlorinated organic flame retardant is an aliphatic, nonplasticizing, nonreactive, low-density, thermally stable product, which provides char formation for nondripping flame-retardant formulations. It has applications in nylon, PBT, ABS, polyolefins, elastomers, HIPS and epoxy, and is well suited to formulations where colorability, hydrolytic stability, electrical properties, and flammability performance are important. Char-forming characteristic of Dechlorane Plus allows for low-smoke formulations. Flame-retardant formulation technology is available to provide high CTI values in both nonglass and glass-reinforced nylon. Non-antimony oxide synergist formulations for flame-retardant nylon and epoxy are available. Dechlorane Plus 35 is available for applications where fine particle size is critical.

Also offers a wide range of liquid Chlorowax chlorinated paraffins and alpha olefins.

PLASTIC FILLER SALES, INC.

Flame-retardant line of ground calcium sulfate is available in 50-lb bags, bulk bags, and bulk truckloads. Custom blends of these products and calcium carbonate available.

PMS CONSOLIDATED

Specialty concentrates in solid or liquid form are available containing fire retardants, colorants, fillers, antioxidants, uv stabilizers, silicones, blowing agents, slip agents, or antistats.

POLYCOM HUNTSMAN INC.

Manufactures UL-recognized flame-retardant polystyrene concentrates.

PPG INDUSTRIES

Flame-retardant concentrates are offered in pelletized nylon, TPE, PE, ABS, PP, SAN, PS, and EVA at loadings up to 90%.

THE PQ CORP.

Nyacol colloidal antimony pentoxide is available in liquid dispersion or powder forms for thermoplastic and thermoset resins. An advantage of the pentoxide is its ability to obtain translucent plastics or dark color with minimum colorant (compared with antimony trioxide, which is white and opaque). Fine ultimate particle size of 0.03 microns and low refractive index account for low tinting. Easy-to-handle liquids rapidly stir in, unlike dusty pigments that require high shear. Engineering plastics reportedly can be made with high impact and no coloration using colloidal dispersions. Grades include Nyacol APE 1540 for unsaturated polyester laminates; Nyacol ZTA for vinyl; Nyacol A1588LP and AP50 for epoxies; and Nyacol ADP480 for ABS or PP.

QUANTUM CHEMICAL CORP.

Provides Spectratech CM 11053 chlorinated/antimony oxide flame-retardant concentrate for molding and extrusion. Offers a maximum processing temperature of 380 F and a recommended letdown ratio of 6:1-8:1. Spectratech CM 10768, another halogenated/antimony oxide flame-retardant concentrate with a brominated component, used for molding and extrusion. Spectratech FR 10107 is a nonhalogenated, hydrated mineral system, flame-retardant concentrate formulated for sheet extrusion.

Other specially formulated Spectratech flame-retardant concentrates provided for production of disposable draperies and other materials used in hospitals and areas where combustible materials may be handled.

RMc MINERALS, INC.

Offers magnesium hydroxide fillers, which reportedly improve smoke suppression in PVC and PE applications. Magnum-White and MGH-93 are milled to mean particle sizes of 2, 10 and 30 microns, respectively.

Magnum-White contains a minimum of 35% magnesium hydroxide and MGH-93 a minimum of 85% (average 93%). Company says users are reporting significant reduction or elimination of antimony in their applications.

A. SCHULMAN INC.

Polyflam flame-retardant concentrates include Polyflam RS 425C3 for 3:1 letdown in high-heat, high-impact PS to give UL 94V-0; and highly stable Polyflam RCP 770 for LDPE and HDPE film with letdown ratios from 10:1 to 4:1.

SHERWOOD DIVERSIFIED INC.

Supplies alumina trihydrate and other fillers. See also listing under Fillers.

SOLEM DIV., J.M. HUBER CORP.

Product line consists of standard and surface-modified alumina trihydrate and Zerogen flame retardants. ATH is available in particle distributions from 0.8 to 65 microns average diam. Surface treatments used to improve processing and performance properties of ATH-filled compounds include silanes, stearates, proprietary wetting agents, plasticizers, and titanates.

Zerogen is a magnesium hydroxide-based flame retardant/smoke suppressor. With processing temperature stability up to 630 F, Zerogen can be processed in PP, TP polyesters and other engineered thermoplastics. Zerogen is available in 1-micron, 2.2-micron and 6-micron average particle sizes.

STANDRIDGE COLOR CORP.

Offers flame-retardant concentrates for fibers and film. Products are available in custom or standard formulations. Colorants or other additives can be included in the formulation.

SYNTHETIC PRODUCTS CO.

Synpro-Ware dispersions of antimony oxide, zinc borate, and halogenated additives are supplied in phosphate esters or halogenated vehicles. Custom formulations available.

TEKNOR COLOR CO. SUB. OF TEKNOR APEX CO.

Offers flame-retardant concentrates for PE and PS at 3:1 to 6:1 letdown ratios.

U.S. BORAX INC.

Firebrake ZB is a fire-retardant synergist that reportedly can be used as a low-cost replacement or extender for antimony oxide in systems containing halogen. It is a white crystalline zinc borate powder with mean particle size of 2-10 microns, crystal density of 2.8 g/cc, and tinting strength much lower than that of antimony oxide, reportedly permitting formulation of translucent flame-retardant compositions. Firebrake ZB reportedly withstands processing temperatures up to 550 F and is virtually insoluble in water below 100 F. Often combined with antimony oxide, it is recommended for resins such as PVC, thermoset polyester, epoxy, polyolefin, nylon, and urethane. Firebrake ZB is a smoke and afterglow suppressant and strong synergist for hydrated alumina to reduce smoke. It also improves anti-tracking and anti-arcing properties of nylon, polyester, and polyolefin.

Firebrake ZB-Fine, a fine grade with a mean particle size Of 3 microns, is offered for applications where physical properties of the substrate are vital.

XPI-187, an experimental anhydrous zinc borate, is offered for polymers that are processed at 550 F or higher.

XPI-213 is a zinc borate, which can release 30% by weight of water starting at 212 F.

U.S. GYPSUM CO.

USG LP Filler #2, the dihydrate form of calcium sulfate, is made by fine grinding select gypsum containing about 17% water of crystallization. Because of that water, LP Filler #2 can provide fire retardancy in a room-temperature curable system such as unsaturated polyester spray-up. Depending on the resin system, LP Filler #2 allows over 50-55% loading levels, offering significant cost savings. It is finely divided, nonabrasive, nontoxic, and easily dispersed.

USI DIV.

See Quantum Chemical Corp.

VELSICOL CHEMICAL CORP.

Chlorendic anhydride is a solid, reactive flame retardant with a stable bicyclic structure. An acid anhydride with a chlorine content of 54.5%, it is used as a flame retardant and corrosion-resistant agent for unsaturated polyester and alkyd resins, and as a crosslinking agent in epoxy. Systems containing chlorendic anhydride can be formulated to obtain a range of responses in the ASTM-E84 tunnel test, as well as the UL 94 tests, and to meet military specifications. Product is available in technical and refined grades and in a free-flowing crystalline form that is reportedly easy and safe to handle.

WITCO CORP. POLYMER ADDITIVES GROUP

Flexchlor chlorinated normal paraffins are secondary plasticizers that provide flame retardancy and low-temperature performance. A broad range of viscosities and chlorine contents include special grades designed for compatibility at high levels in PVC.

Fyarestor brominated-chlorinated paraffins are available for applications requiring additional flame-retardancy and recommended for fabric coatings, urethanes, PVC, and epoxies.