Christian Schmidt, Clariant,(pinfa member), presented new non-halogenated FR systems for transport fire safety. The new EU railway materials standards EN 45545-2 sets demanding fire, smoke and toxicity (FST) requirements, as do national requirements for railways in other countries (e.g. NFPA 130 in the USA) and requirements for aviation and shipping (FAR 25.853 and ABD 0031).
PIN flame retardants are the best choice to achieve these requirements, because they can offer reductions in flammability, low smoke and gas corrosivity and density, whilst ensuring material performance and processing compatibility (avoid release of acid in extrusion). Solutions presented included combinations of ATH with long molecular chain APP and PIN synergists in polyethylene and polyurethane (structural composites, fibres), and organophosphorus FRs with PIN synergists in flexible polyurethane foams (enabling achievement of aviation specifications).