3 Flame Retardant System Methods and How They Differ
Flame Retardant Coating is necessary for reducing the spread of a fire or preventing one from starting in the first place. They’ve been utilized in a variety of consumer and industrial products since the 1970s to reduce property damage and death. Textiles, coatings, surface treatments, electronics and electrical devices, wire and cable, and insulation materials all have flame retardants added or applied to them. Today, it is widely used even at home.
Flame retardancy can be achieved in three ways:
->Vapor phase inhibition
->Char formation in the solid phase
->System cooling and quenching
1) Phase of vaporisation
When flame retardant chemicals react with the burning polymer during the radical gas phase, this is known as vapor phase inhibition. These additives reduce or suppress the supply of combustible gases by disrupting the generation of free radicals, cooling the system, and lowering or suppressing the supply of free radicals.
The vapor phase inhibition capabilities of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are the most common reason for their use. Before the material achieves its ignition temperature, bromine releases active bromine atoms into the gas phase. The chemical process within the flame is suppressed by these atoms, which extinguishes or slows the propagation of the fire. This allows inhabitants and employees more time to flee the building or put out the fire.
2) Char production in the solid phase
During a fire, solid-phase char flame retardants encourage the production of char. These additives react with the burning polymer to form a carbonaceous layer on the surface of the substance. This layer serves as a protective barrier, which stops the escape of combustible gases and shields the underlying material from the heat of the flame.
The solid phase char functions of melamine-based flame retardants are well-known. Char stability is improved during the condensed phase by the formation of cross-linked structures like melem and melon. Melamine, when paired with phosphorus synergists, can improve char stability even further by forming nitrogen-phosphorus compounds.
3) Quench & cool systems
To improve flame resistance, quench and cool systems rely on hydrated materials. These hydrated minerals emit water molecules when exposed to fire, cooling the substrate and interfering with the combustion process. Extruded applications such as wire and cable frequently use these flame retardant chemicals.
Compounds such as aluminum and magnesium hydroxides can be employed to quench and cool systems. When exposed to high temperatures, both of these compounds break down endothermically and emit ambient gases (such as water vapor), diluting the combustible gases and limiting the likelihood of ignition.
There are many different types of flame retardants and Fire Retardant Stain Additive to choose from, and each one should be carefully considered before making a decision. We can assist you in determining the best system for your needs. Contact us to discuss your individual needs, and we’ll find the right one for you.