Flame retardant particles

In order to replace substances such as halogenated hydrocarbons in the medium term, particulate additives represent promising alternatives. The Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC is conducting intensive research into green chemistry based on these particles. 2D nanoparticles, especially layer hydroxides, are promising additives / fillers to provide materials with flame retardant properties or to act as acid scavengers.

Challenge

Halogen-free flame retardant with low additive content for optically demanding transparent / translucent components and protection of materials against acids.

System

Hydroxide particles of different chemical composition, morphology, size and dispersion behavior are produced at the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC as powders that can be easily incorporated into polymers, for example. Due to the high hydroxide and water content in the particles, materials can be provided with flame-retardant or acid-buffering properties. The flame retardant effect results from three contributions that add up synergistically:

1. Heat is absorbed by the layer hydroxides by an endothermic transition which occurs on contact with a flame, resulting in
2. a water release, which was originally stored in the structure. The structures can actually be regarded as tiny nanowater capsules.
   
3. In the event of a permanent fire, the hydroxides are finally converted into tar/ceramic-like oxides.
   

Finally, the mother-of-pearl-like structure results in a thin ceramic shield on the surface of the textiles, which protects the interior by forming an oxygen barrier.

Offer

• Synthesis of novel flame retardants for your application
• Consulting in the field of flame retardant additives
  
• Scaling up their synthesis