NEWS
ECOFRAM 2022
This pinfa Newsletter summarises ECOFRAM 2022, the third International Conference on Eco-Friendly Flame Retardant Additives and Materials, Alès, France, 17-18 May 2022 (postponed from 2020 because of Covid).
READ MOREIndustry actions for sustainable fire safety
Christian Battenberg, Clariant, presented the company’s objectives of climate impact reduction, the product portfolio sustainability assessment system and the Clariant “Ecotain” label for best-in-class products (pinfa Newsletter n°79). Clariant has fixed the objective to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% for scope 1+2 and by 14% for scope 3 (link) between 2019 to 2030.
READ MORENew applications for PIN flame retardants
Sabyasachi Gaan, EMPA Switzerland, presented testing of PIN FRs in reactive extrusion of polyamide. An oligomeric phosphorus PIN flame retardant was embedded in polyamide, by reaction of a phosphorylated vinyl monomer (DVPPO) with the cyclic amine (piperazine) in extrusion of polyamide polymer to fibres, so embedding the resulting phosphorus-nitrogen macromolecules in the polyamide matrix.
READ MOREEnvironment and safety
Jérémie Pourchez, Mines Alès France, presented analysis of nano-particles in fly ash (from offgas filters) and bottom ash, both from laboratory incineration of ethylene vinyl acetate polymer containing nano-minerals: silica, alumina, boehmite, zinc, titanium.
READ MOREInnovative flame retardant coatings
Maude Jimenez, UMET Lille University, France, presented investigations of self-stratifying epoxy/silicone coatings, with the aim of achieving railway fire safety requirements.
READ MOREInnovative PIN FR application: polyelectrolytes
Jaime Grunlan, Texas A&M University, USA, presented polyelectrolytes as a mode of PIN flame retardant surface application to materials such as textiles or polymers.
READ MOREPIN flame retardants for wood and fibres
Adèle Lamandé, CSTB France (national construction technical centre), presented studies of gas emissions from timber laminates under different oxygen concentrations, intended to simulate different fire conditions.
READ MOREBio-based PIN flame retardants
Maxinne Denis, University of Montpellier, France, presented testing of bio-based PIN flame retardants for alkyd resin coatings.
READ MOREPIN FRs for bio-based insulation materials
Lily Deborde, LGCGM Rennes University France, summarised work on PIN flame retardant alternatives to boric acid and ammonium salts for hemp fibre thermal insulation products (blown insulation, panels).
READ MOREWeathering of PIN flame retardant materials
Sandrine Therias, Institut de Chimie de Clermont Ferrand France, reviewed literature on weathering of PIN flame retarded polymers.
READ MOREpinfa webinar, 27, 28 and 30 June 2022, 16h – 17h CEST “What are Safe and Sustainable Flame Retardants?”
pinfa webinar, 27, 28 and 30 June 2022, 16h – 17h CEST “What are Safe and Sustainable Flame Retardants?” with Schneider Electric, ChemForward, TCO Development, ChemSec, Cefic.
READ MOREEU CPR text consultation
Proposed regulatory text for update of Construction Products Regulation. Prolonged to 12th July. This new Regulation text is likely to considerably modify conditions for validation of CE-marks and so EU market access, impacting fire safety of construction products.
READ MORECanada 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 MORE