NEWS
Canada consults to ban DBDPE and DP
To 28th July 2022: proposed bans of decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) and Dechlorane Plus (DP), as well as on extension of existing bans on brominated FRs HBCD and PBDEs.
READ MOREEU “chemicals restrictions roadmap”
The European Commission has published a “roadmap” of assessment priorities for chemicals for possible restrictions. The Commission states that the roadmap “prioritises group restrictions for the most harmful substances to human health and the environment” as set out in the Green Deal Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, and will become the basis for multiannual planning under REACH, to be regularly reviewed to ensure flexibility and progress.
READ MOREEU biomonitoring conclusions on FRs
HBM4EU conference says data is inadequate for 60+ current use FRs, suggests potential endocrine disrupting concerns. The EU-funded HBM4EU human biomonitoring project (Horizon2020) is coordinated by th...
READ MOREFlame retardants, Classification, recycling
Analysis of 69 FRs suggests that 12 (7 halogenated/ATO, 5 PIN) may lead to Classification of plastic wastes, so posing a regulatory obstacle to recycling. In total, 23 out of 69 FRs are identified as...
READ MOREECHA report on nanomaterials End-of-Life
EU report calling for research on recycling and environmental impacts of nano-materials is relevant for PIN FRs. The 130-page report from ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) and EUON (European Union Observatory for Nanomaterials) states that nano-fillers have “potential to contribute to increasing recycling rates of waste and the quality of the recycled products” but on the other hand it is indicated “the environmental and human health impact of nanoparticles has not yet been fully investigated;
READ MOREChina announces tighter chemical safety
New Pollutants Control Action Plan will drive chemical data, assessment and regulation over the coming three years. The new Government Plan, published May 2022, will go considerably further than the current lists of priority controlled chemicals published in China, which include partial or total bans on four halogenated flame retardants (HBCD, DecaBDE, SCCPs, DechloranePlus).
READ MORE27 dead in Delhi office fire
The deadly fire in a four-storey commercial building, Mundka, Delhi, is thought to have been caused by a short-circuit. The fire 13th May 2022, indicated to have started in the offices of a CCTV camera manufacturing company, killed 27 and injured over 40.
READ MOREScientist questions rollback of fire safety
Flame retardant chemicals do work … are an important part of our fire safety protection systems ” says Alexander Morgan, a global leading fire expert at University of Drayton, USA.
READ MOREChina further tightens battery standards
China announces update of Lithium Ion battery technology standards. This follows new standards for EVs in 2021. From 1st January 2021, three new standards are applicable in China:
READ MOREPIN polyphthalamides (PPA) offer high RTI
BASF’s latest PIN flame retardant PPA grades provide thermal stability, high electrical insulation and low water uptake. The PIN FR polyphthalamide (PPA) range includes compounds based on PA9T, PA66/6T, PA6T/66 and PA6T/6.
READ MOREZHF TPU for wire and cable
Lubrizol’s new ESTANE® ZHF (zero halogen flame retardant) TPU offers performance, aesthetic quality and UL 105°C rating. The TPU (thermosplastic polyurethane) is DIN VDE 282 (standard for flexible insulated sleeving) uses PIN flame retardants (non-halogenated) to achieve UL 94 V-0 (2 mm) fire performance and passes Cable Flame Test UL-1581 sec. 1061 down to 8 mm cables.
READ MOREFR tapes & films for aviation, automobile
FLEXcon has expanded its non-halogenated, flame retardant portfolio with 2.0 and 4.0 mm transfer tapes and coated films. FLEXcon specialises in adhesive coating and laminating. The company’s L-59FR Series products now achieve UL 94 V-0 at 2.0 to 4.0 mm coating thickness.
READ MOREReview of phytic acid as a PIN FR
Phytic acid from plants, which contains 28% phosphors w/w, is increasingly tested as the basis for bio-based PIN FRs. The rieview summarises nearly one hundred studies of phytic acid and compounds based on phytic acid as PIN FRs in a range of polymers and applications (including EVA, PLA, PA, PU, PP, PVC, PE, epoxy).
READ MOREAluminium – phosphorus – nitrogen synergy
Trials suggest that an aluminium phosphonate and melamine cyanurate provide synergistic fire protection coating for ABS. EMPCP (ethylene glycol methyl propionate cylohexanediol phosphonate) was reacted with aluminium isopropoxide to general an aluminium phosphonate (EMPCP-Al).
READ MOREPIN FRs effects on PU foam smoke
PIN flame retardants show varying impacts on fire performance and smoke emissions from rigid polyurethane foam. Seven combinations of P-based, inorganic and nitrogen flame retardants and nano-fillers were tested and compared to pure rigid PU foam:
READ MOREReprotox screeing of organo-phosphorus flame retardants
46 phosphorus FRs (11 alkyl, 24 aryl, 11 chlorinated) were experimentally screened for placentation – disrupting effects, by inhibition of proliferation of human trophoblast cells.
READ MOREEcoDesign proposal and chemicals
The proposed update of EU EcoDesign could have wide impacts on chemicals used in consumer products. EU EcoDesign enables definition of obligatory energy and sustainability criteria for products.
READ MOREFRs and REACH registration of polymers
The proposals to require REACH registration or “notification” of polymers should take into account reactive flame retardants. As part of the new EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, the European Commission is proposing to require REACH registration of polymers “of concern” and possibly “The obligation to NOTIFY … ALL polymers … from the threshold of 1 tpa.” (DG ENV – ECHA 1 April 2022).
READ MOREEU consultations underway
Proposed regulatory text for update of Construction Products Regulation. To 1st June. Call for Evidence on restriction of the use of hazardous substances in electronics (RoHS Directive). To 2nd June 2022.
READ MOREShipper concerned about EV fire risks
After the Felicity Ace car ship fire, leading car carrier Hyundai Glovis is increasing safety because of EV fire concerns. The Felicity Ace, carrying some 4 000 Volkswagen – Audi - Porsche – Lamborghini cars, estimated at over 400 million € value, sank near the Azores on 1st March 2022 after burning for a week.
READ MOREKiss Nightclub fire
Report says appropriate building materials could have prevented the Kiss Nightclub’s 242 fire deaths, Brazil Jan. 2013. The fire started when a firework lit by one of band playing on stage ignited sound insulation foam on the ceiling.
READ MORETen die in Egypt tourist coach crash fire
Ten people died and fourteen more were injured when a tourist coach burst into flames after a collision near Luxor, Egypt.
READ MORECompressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus fire
Nobody was injured in this spectacular natural gas powered bus fire, near Perugia, Italy, 16th April. Only the driver was on board.
READ MOREUS IBC Code and combustible cladding
Proposal to ban combustible cladding in renovations of high-rise buildings, unless sprinklers are fitted.
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