The EU-funded (FP7) project, DEROCA, has developed five new PIN flame retardant system prototypes, combining industrial multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with phosphorus-based and other commercially-available PIN FRs. The objective is to replace halogenated FRs, in order to reduce possible toxicity and corrosivity of smoke, in electrical wires and cables, insulation foams, heating – ventilation and air conditioning applications, corrugated pipes and consumer goods.
Market potential for new non-halogenated fire safety solutions is estimated at over 2 billion €/year worldwide. The MWCNTs act in synergy with the PIN FRs by improving the resilience of the protective char layer developed in case of fire, so reducing heat release from burning polymers and composites. The DEROCA project includes new, cost/rapidity optimised fire testing methods, cost competitiveness and mechanical performance in applications. Project partners are the European Commission JRC Service (Joint Research Centre), Leoni Studer (wire and cable), Akyuz Plastik Turkey, NMC Group Belgium, Vamptech Iberica, Lille School of Engineering Chemistry, SP Sweden and University of Central Lancashire UK and project leader, Nanocyl Belgium.
“Keepers of the flame”, International Innovation, Issue 187, 2015 http://www.internationalinnovation.com/keepers-of-the-flame/ DEROCA Development of safe and eco-friendly flame retardant materials based on CNT co-additives for commodity polymers www.deroca.eu