Fire and Polymers
Günter Beyer, Fire and Polymers discussed research underway into flame retarding of silicone based polymers and use of silicones in flame retardant systems in other polymers. Silicone elastomers are growing 7% per year. Different minerals can improve fire performance of these polymers, including ATH, MDH, calcium minerals (e.g. wollastonite), silica, coatings of metal hydrates, by mechanisms including release of flame diluting water or carbon dioxide, production of ceramic-like char. Platinum is also effective at ppm levels, probably by inhibiting degradation of the polymer backbone. Silicone polymers can contribute to flame retardancy in other polymers by generating silica residues contributing to char barriers.