Top 6 Flame Retardant Additives Used in Polymer Production

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

paragraf parcha:
The top six flame retardant additives used in polymer production are Trietil Fosfat (TEP), Trioctyl Fosfat (TOP), Ammoniy Polyphosphate (APP), Alyuminiy gidroksidi (ATH), Melamine Cyanurate (MCA), va Zinc Borate (ZB) — each engineered to prevent ignition, slow burning, and minimize smoke generation.

O‘tish paragrafi:
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. Trietil Fosfata (TEP)

bosh paragraph:
When performance and environmental safety must coexist, Trietil Fosfat (TEP) is the first choice.

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

(RO)₂PO(OH) — Kislota fosfat monoesteri

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

Arizalar:

• Polyuretan (PU) Ko‘piklar: 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 char hosil bo'lishini, which acts as a thermal barrier, slowing heat transfer during combustion.
Donghong Kimyo 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 Fosfat (TOP)

bosh paragraph:
When high temperature and long-term durability are priorities, Trioctyl Fosfat (TOP) leads the way.

paragraf parcha:
TOP - bu 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

Arizalar:

• Vinyl Polymers (PVC, PVDF): Enhances flame resistance and flexibility.
• Engineering Plastics: Used in polyamides and epoxy systems.
• Moylash materiallari: 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 Chemicalning TOP phosphate ester is widely used in plastic compounding and electrical insulation materials.

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3. Ammonium Polyphosphate (APP)

bosh paragraph:
In halogen-free flame retardant systems, Ammoniy Polyphosphate (APP) is the essential phosphorus-based choice.

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

Kimyo formulasi: (NH₄PO₃)ₙ
Parchalanish harorati: 250–300°C gacha
Ko'rinishi: White powder
Eruvchanlik: Slightly soluble in water

Arizalar:

• 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)

bosh paragraph:
For decades, Alyuminiy gidroksidi (ATH) has been one of the most widely used inorganic flame retardants.

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

Kimyo formulasi: Al(OH)₃
Parchalanish harorati: ~200°C
Particle Size: 1–50 µm
Rang: White powder

Arizalar:

• 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)

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

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

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

Arizalar:

• 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 fosfat esterlari kabi TEP, it provides synergistic flame retardant effects without compromising polymer clarity.

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6. Zinc Borate (ZB)

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

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

Kimyo formulasi: 2ZnO·3B₂O₃·3.5H₂O
Parchalanish harorati: 290–420°C
Form: Fine white powder

Arizalar:

• 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 va 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.

Kombinatsiya	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	Polipropilen
P204 + TEP	Metal surface protection and flame resistance	Coatings, resins

Donghong Kimyo ta'minotlar 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:

• Tozalik ≥99% for phosphate esters;
• No halogenated compounds (for eco-compliance);
• Past bug'lanish to prevent odor and degradation;
• Issiqlik barqarorligi suited for polymer processing temperatures.

Donghong Kimyo 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 Kimyo taqdim etadi phosphate ester–based flame retardants that help polymer producers achieve high standards in safety, performance, and sustainability.

For technical guidance or bulk purchase inquiries:

📧 Elektron pochta: 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.