What are the commonly used polypropylene(PP) flame retardant?

Polypropylene (PP) flame retardant Introduction?

The purpose of adding flame retardant in PP plastics.

Polypropylene (PP), as one of the five common general-purpose plastics and known for its versatility, affordability and excellent mechanical properties, which is extensively used in various industries, such as clothing and fiber products, medical equipments, automobiles parts, home appliances, transportation pipes, chemical containers, additionally, PP also finds use in food and pharmaceutical packaging due to its broad range of favorable properties.d

However, like many other plastics, the PP is flammable and poses a fire hazard in certain applications, this characteristics may hinder its further development, therefore, the modification of flame retardant PP has always been the focus of attention.

To enhance its fire safety, flame retardants are commonly added to polypropylene to reduce its flammability and slow down the spread of flames .

(Additional remark:The flame retardant is a kind booster of polymer synthetic materials, after flame retardant treatment on polymer materials, so that the synthetic materials have smoke suppression, self-extinguishing and non-flammability)

The commonly used flame retardant types for PP plastics

 Various types of flame retardants are used for polypropylene (PP) plastics to improve their fire resistance. The choice of flame retardant depends on factors such as the specific application, required level of fire safety or flame retardant grade, environmental considerations, and regulatory requirements.
Some common types of flame retardants used for PP plastic include:

1. Halogenated Flame Retardants:

Brominated Flame Retardants: Examples include Decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDE), TetraBromoBisphenol A (2,3-Dibromopropyl)ether (BDDP), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), and add antimony trioxide (ATO) as flame retardant synergist.

Key features: low concentration, good thermal stability and processability, high flame retardant efficiency.

Check more details of Mei Wang Mflam brominated FR series here: https://www.mwchemical.com/product/bromine-and-antimony-trioxide-flame-retardant/

2.Halogen-Free Flame Retardants:

2.1.Phosphorus-Based Flame Retardants: Examples include ammonium polyphosphate (APP), piperazine pyrophosphate(PPAP), red phosphorus, and phosphinate esters.

MeiWang relevant product recommendation :

A:Mflam AP230,APP based, widely used in PP,PU,PE,etc. Can reach UL94-V0.It is a safe and efficient phosphorus-based,non-halogenated, smoke suppression flame retardant. It has high flame retardancy, dimensional stability, hydrolysis resistance and heat resistance.

B.Mflam QZ10-4, Pure PPAP powder, can reach UL94-V0,the whiteness is above 95.

Mflam QZ10-4 adopts the most advanced surface coating technology, which has good flowability and dispersion , mainly used in polypropylene resin. It can replace traditional pentaerythritol and pentaerythritol phosphate PEPA, CFA Triazine and so on.

Excellent flammability property, good thermal stability, no blooming, good water resistance, light aging resistance, low smoke and non-toxic characteristics.

2.2.Intumescent Flame Retardants, which is phosphorus- nitrogen flame retardant, also known as intumescent piperazine pyrophosphate (PPAP) series, these FR compounds create a protective, expanded "char" layer when exposed to heat, insulating the material and slowing down the fire. In recent years it has become a notable trend in both in domestic and overseas markets. This is primarily due to its superior performance compared to APP series, these key features or advantages mainly reflected in various aspects, including resistance to precipitation, temperature resistance, prevention of black spots, enhanced flame retardancy in 30% glass fiber PP, improved physical properties, and better impact resistance.

In this series, Mei Wang key recommended products as follows and detailed descriptions at: https://www.mwchemical.com/product/polymer-flame-retardant/polyolefins-flame-retardant/

1.Mflam TC100, reach UL94-V0, with REACH registration

2.Mflam 1420, Top Seller! reach UL94-V0,with REACH registration

3.Mflam 1430, reach UL94-V0, with REACH registration

4.Mflam AMH-01

For more information and technical support, please contact us at: https://www.mwchemical.com/contact/

2.3.Nitrogen-Based Flame Retardants: Examples include melamine and melamine derivatives.

2.4.Inorganic flame retardant or PP filler type flame retardant: Aluminium Hydroxide (ATH) and Magnesium Hydroxide (MDH): These mineral-based flame retardants are halogen-free and release water vapor during combustion, cooling the material and suppressing the flame, on the other hand, it needs very high dosage or filling amount, normally can reach 40-60%, the main purpose of using these FR is for cost reduction due to the cheap price . ATH and MDH are also commonly used in various applications.

Conclusion:

It's essential to choose the appropriate flame retardant based on the specific requirements of the PP plastic application, while considering factors such as fire safety standards, environmental impact, and performance characteristics. Manufacturers often conduct thorough testing and evaluations to determine the most suitable flame retardant formulation for their specific products. We can also make specific formulations according to your particular requirements, please feel free to contact us.