Physical Property
Non-halogenated, high purity magnesium hydroxide powder for use as a flame retardant and smoke suppressant in plastic compounds for thermoplastic olefins, plastic building materials, select wire and cable applications, and plastic fillers and coatings.
Abstract
Magnesium hydroxide has all the characteristics required for use as a flame retardant filler. It can be made synthetically with high purity and in a range of useful morphologies, responds well to surface modifiers and decomposes endothermically with release of water at temperatures close to those of polymer degradation and high enough to allow incorporation into most polymer types. Crystal growth is difficult and, until recently, particles with suitable morphologies were too expensive for other than niche applications. New production methods are now available that offer the prospect of improved morphology control and better cost effectiveness.
Use of this filler enables high levels of flame retardancy to be achieved in a wide range of polymer types, including ethylene vinyl acetate, polypropylene and polyamides.
Flame Retardant / Smoke Suppressant
Flame retardants are chemical additives used in plastics, coatings, and other products to inhibit flame sustenance. Magnesium hydroxide is used with a resin or similar base material as a flame retardant filler. This magnesia compound is physically mixed with the base material ( and “additive flame retardant”).
The basic mechanisms of retardancy can function in the gaseous and solid phase. When flame retardant chemicals act in the gaseous phase, they can also suppress smoke. Magnesium hydroxide is such a retardant.
Flame retardant effects of magnesium hydroxide
Attributes and benefits:
- Excellent flame retardancy and smoke suppression properties
- Non-halogenated
- Thermally stable
- Cost effective replacement for Alumina Trihydrate (ATH)
- Thermally stable to 340°C, suitable for engineering plastic
- Lower hardness than ATH resulting in longer equipment life
- Low toxicity [LD50 (oral/rat) > 5,000 Mg/Kg]
- Non-corrosive as compared to halogen or phosphorous-containing compounds
