For plastics, electrical applications, and more – we have the solution you need
Hello again – mineral-based flame retardants
Coming soon (again) at TER Chemicals: mineral flame retardants based on magnesium hydroxide. The material, also known under the abbreviation MDH, is a proven, halogen-free additive in various polymers, including PVC wire & cables. The flame-retardant effect of MDH is based on its endothermic decomposition into magnesium oxide and water – two non-toxic and non-corrosive substances.
The product portfolio will include natural MDH (brucite), as well as synthetic MDH in various particle size distribution; all products are available either uncoated or coated. Reach out for more information and let us support you on the right grade to choose.
Simple, safe, halogen-free: silicone-based flame retardant
Momentive's SFR 100 is a liquid, halogen-free, silicone-based flame retardant. As a synergist with conventional flame retardants, it contributes to a significant increase in heat resistance, low smoke and flame retardancy, while distinctly reducing the primary flame retardant. Compared to additives such as aluminium hydroxide or brominated flame retardants, SFR 100 improves the mechanical properties and long-term stability of the thermoplastic. It is easy to incorporate and supports compliance with strict fire safety standards. Ideal for durable, safe applications, e.g. in the wire & cable sector.
Celebrate with us – 50 years of EXOLIT
50 years ago, our long-standing partner Clariant started its flame-retardant journey with the launch of EXOLIT AP 422. Since then, the product portfolio has grown steadily and is nowadays offering a broad range of different halogen-free grades. In addition to the ammonium phosphate-based AP-series, the phosphinate-based OP-series has gained popularity, especially within electrical applications such as TPE jacketed multi-conductor cables or circuit breakers and connectors based on glass fiber reinforced polyamide. EXOLIT OP meets i.a. the RAST (Raster-Anschluss-Steck-Technik) standards for wire-to-board and wire-to-wire connections, which are used in sophisticated household appliances (white goods), among other things, but have also been adopted by heating technologies and other industrial applications.
Have you heard of expandable graphite?
The name already says it all: above a certain temperature, expandable graphite reacts by expanding the graphite layers accordion-like by many times their original volume, forming a protective, gas-impermeable intumescent layer. The expansion rate varies depending on the grade chosen, allowing it to cover a wide range of applications. In fire protection systems such as cable ducts, expandable graphite protects by sealing cavities and thus ensuring the functionality of electrical systems. Synergies with other flame retardants such as APP (ammonium phosphate) and ATH (aluminum hydroxide) are also possible, allowing the filling rate to be reduced. Curious? We're happy to help!
A smart addition: ATH & AM3V
Although it is also used on its own as a flame retardant, particularly in heat-shrinkable plastics or high-voltage insulators for improved arc tracking resistance, ATH (aluminum hydroxide) is often used as a synergist in combination with MDH (magnesium hydroxide). Synergies occur when substances produce a stronger effect in combination compared to their individual effects. ATH on its own is usually less expensive, but limits the process temperature to approximately 200 °C. By using it as a synergist, the process temperature can be extended and the smoke density reduced.
Another widely used synergist is ATO (antimony trioxide), which has been subject to significant price and supply volatility over the past year. In the PVC sector, AM3V can replace ATO. It is an aluminum and magnesium co-precipitated layered double hydroxide (LDH) flame retardant. The co-precipitation process enables nanoscale synergistic interaction between magnesium and aluminum, achieving significantly better flame retardancy than conventional physical blends at the micron scale.
Please contact us for an individual product recommendation!
Jens Vinke
Head of Business Unit CASE
Phone: +49 (0) 40 300 501 8013
E-Mail: j.vinke@terchemicals.com