Leeanne Taylor, Hexion – Phenolic resins are commonly used in many FR composite applications meeting low fire, smoke and toxicity requirements. Epoxy resins are expanding in this area due to their manufacturing advantages and because of user concerns about possible phenol or formaldehyde emissions from phenolic resins.
Epoxy resins pose specific challenges for flame retardant dispersion because they are liquid and depending on the application solid inorganic additives are not appropriate. Polymer phosphate FRs have shown to be effective in some cases. End user industries are looking for PIN FR solutions for low smoke density and toxicity, either because this is already a requirement (e.g. in aviation) or because they expect it to become so in the future. Studies show that FRs are effective in real life situations, for example FAA studies showing that heat release rates impact escape time in airplanes, but dialogue is needed to communicate this to decision makers and the public. This AMI conference is important for networking, but more information on thermosets would be welcome as it is a growing market, as well as dialogue on health and environment questions.
Hexion is a global leader in thermoset polymers, in particular epoxy and phenolic resins, to a wide range of applications including forest products, aviation, automobile, wind energy, printed circuit boards and paints and coatings. www.hexion.com