Top 6 Flame Retardant Additives Used in Polymer Production

indledende afsnit:
In the world of polymer manufacturing, safety and performance often come down to one key ingredient — the flame retardant additive.

udsnitsafsnit:
The top six flame retardant additives used in polymer production are Triethylfosfat (TEP), Trioctylfosfat (TOP), Ammonium Polyphosphat (APP), Aluminiumhydroxid (ATH), Melamine Cyanurate (MCA), og Zinc Borate (ZB) — each engineered to prevent ignition, slow burning, and minimize smoke generation.

Overgangsafsnit:
As modern materials evolve toward lighter and greener solutions, flame retardants are being redefined — no longer just for protection, but also for sustainability. Let’s explore these six key additives, how they work, and where they’re applied in polymer systems.

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1. Triethyl Fosfat (TEP)

indledende afsnit:
When performance and environmental safety must coexist, Triethylfosfat (TEP) is the first choice.

udsnitsafsnit:
TEP er en phosphate ester–based flame retardant and plasticizer that offers excellent thermal stability and low toxicity — making it ideal for polyurethane foams, PVC, and coatings.

Vigtige egenskaber:

• Formula: C₆H₁₅O₄P
• Boiling Point: 215–220°C
• Purity: ≥99%
• Odor: Mild, neutral
• Halogen-Free: Yes

Anvendelser:

• Polyurethan (PU) Skum: Provides self-extinguishing behavior.
• PVC and Coatings: Improves flexibility and flame resistance.
• Adhesives & Sealants: Works as a reactive diluent and plasticizer.

Performance Highlights:
TEP promotes kulstofdannelse, which acts as a thermal barrier, slowing heat transfer during combustion.
Donghong Chemicals TEP meets international REACH and RoHS standards, offering clean combustion and low VOC emissions — perfect for sustainable polymer systems.

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2. Trioctyl Phosphat (TOP)

indledende afsnit:
When high temperature and long-term durability are priorities, Trioctylfosfat (TOP) leads the way.

udsnitsafsnit:
TOP er en hydrophobic phosphate ester used as both a flame retardant and plasticizer, providing superior heat resistance and oxidation stability.

Technical Details:

• Formula: C₂₄H₅₁O₄P
• Flash Point: ≥190°C
• Purity: ≥99%
• Density: 0.92–0.94 g/cm³

Anvendelser:

• Vinyl Polymers (PVC, PVDF): Enhances flame resistance and flexibility.
• Engineering Plastics: Used in polyamides and epoxy systems.
• Smøremidler: Acts as a high-temperature stabilizer.

Performance Advantage:
TOP’s long alkyl chains make it thermally robust and hydrolysis-resistant, suitable for continuous industrial processes.
Donghong Chemicals TOP phosphate ester is widely used in plastic compounding and electrical insulation materials.

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3. Ammonium Polyphosphate (APP)

indledende afsnit:
In halogen-free flame retardant systems, Ammonium Polyphosphat (APP) is the essential phosphorus-based choice.

udsnitsafsnit:
APP is an inorganic polymeric compound containing phosphorus and nitrogen, which act synergistically to form a protective char layer when exposed to heat.

Kemisk formel: (NH₄PO₃)ₙ
Nedbrydnings temperatur: 250–300°C
Udseende: White powder
Løselighed: Slightly soluble in water

Anvendelser:

• Intumescent coatings: Expands to form a heat shield.
• PP and PE Compounds: Common in wire and cable insulation.
• Epoxy Resins: Provides halogen-free flame resistance.

Performance Advantage:
APP is the backbone of intumescent flame retardant (IFR) systems — producing a foamed carbonaceous layer that protects the underlying polymer from oxygen and heat.

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4. Aluminum Hydroxide (ATH)

indledende afsnit:
For decades, Aluminiumhydroxid (ATH) has been one of the most widely used inorganic flame retardants.

udsnitsafsnit:
ATH functions by absorbing heat and releasing water vapor during decomposition, thereby cooling the polymer and diluting flammable gases.

Kemisk formel: Al(OH)₃
Nedbrydnings temperatur: ~200°C
Particle Size: 1–50 µm
Farve: White powder

Anvendelser:

• Thermosets (epoxy, polyester): Improves flame and smoke suppression.
• Elastomers: Used in wire and cable sheathing.
• PVC Compounds: Acts as both flame retardant and filler.

Performance Advantage:
ATH offers non-toxic, smoke-suppressing performance and improves mechanical strength when dispersed properly.
For high-temperature polymers, it’s often combined with phosphate esters (TEP or TOP) for synergistic effects.

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5. Melamine Cyanurate (MCA)

indledende afsnit:
For engineering plastics like nylon and polyamide, Melamine Cyanurate (MCA) is the go-to additive.

udsnitsafsnit:
MCA is a nitrogen-based organic flame retardant that releases non-flammable gases and forms char layers during combustion.

Chemical Structure: 2C₃H₆N₆·C₃N₃O₃
Nedbrydnings temperatur: 320–350°C
Form: White crystalline powder

Anvendelser:

• Polyamide (PA6, PA66): Maintains mechanical strength while increasing flame retardancy.
• PBT and PET Compounds: Improves UL-94 V-0 ratings.
• Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPU): Low migration and high stability.

Performance Advantage:
MCA is halogen-free, thermally stable, and highly compatible with engineering thermoplastics.
When used with fosfatestere som TEP, it provides synergistic flame retardant effects without compromising polymer clarity.

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6. Zinc Borate (ZB)

indledende afsnit:
As a multifunctional inorganic additive, Zinc Borate (ZB) offers both flame retardant and smoke-suppressing properties.

udsnitsafsnit:
ZB works by releasing crystalline water and forming glass-like barriers at high temperatures, which isolate the polymer from oxygen.

Kemisk formel: 2ZnO·3B₂O₃·3.5H₂O
Nedbrydnings temperatur: 290–420°C
Form: Fine white powder

Anvendelser:

• PVC, PE, and EVA: Works synergistically with ATH or APP.
• Epoxy Resins: Improves thermal stability and smoke suppression.
• Polyolefins: Enhances flame resistance and aging durability.

Performance Advantage:
ZB improves char integrity og reduces dripping during combustion — critical for achieving V-0 ratings in flame retardant testing.

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Dive Deeper: Synergistic Formulation Strategy

The best flame retardant performance often comes from combining multiple additives that address different mechanisms of combustion.

Kombination	Synergy Effect	Target Polymer
TEP + ATH	Improved char formation and cooling	PU, PVC
TOP + MCA	Enhanced flame retardancy and mechanical stability	Nylon, PBT
APP + ZB	Strong intumescent effect and smoke suppression	Polypropylen
P204 + TEP	Metal surface protection and flame resistance	Coatings, resins

Donghong Chemical forsyninger TEP, TOP, and P204 phosphate esters, engineered for use in flame retardant polymer systems that demand both performance and environmental compliance.

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Dive Deeper: Quality and Safety Considerations

When selecting flame retardant additives, always ensure:

• Renhed ≥99% for phosphate esters;
• No halogenated compounds (for eco-compliance);
• Lav fordampningsevne to prevent odor and degradation;
• Termisk stabilitet suited for polymer processing temperatures.

Donghong Chemical ensures each phosphate ester batch meets strict QC criteria, including:

• Acid Value: ≤0.3 mgKOH/g (for TEP, TOP)
• Moisture: ≤0.1%
• Color: ≤30 APHA
• REACH & RoHS certifications

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Conclusion: Safer Polymers Through Smarter Chemistry

The top six flame retardant additives — TEP, TOP, APP, ATH, MCA, and ZB — represent the core of modern polymer fire safety.
Each works through a unique mechanism: forming char, releasing inert gases, or absorbing heat.
And when combined strategically, they deliver powerful, eco-friendly protection for plastics and coatings used in daily life.

With over a decade of manufacturing expertise, Donghong Chemical leverer phosphate ester–based flame retardants that help polymer producers achieve high standards in safety, performance, and sustainability.

For technical guidance or bulk purchase inquiries:

📧 E-mail: dohollchemical@gmail.com
📱 WhatsApp: +86 139 0301 4781

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Donghong Chemical — Leading manufacturer of phosphate esters and surfactant-based flame retardant additives for polymer, coating, and textile industries worldwide.