How does Cable & Wire Flame Retardant catalytically decompose toxic gases and reduce the risk of combustion?

Cable and Wire Flame Retardants do not directly catalytically decompose toxic gases, but they can indirectly contribute to reducing the risk of combustion and the production of toxic gases through their various mechanisms. Here's how they work in this context:

1. Catalytic Decomposition of Flammable Materials: Some flame retardants can catalyze the decomposition of flammable materials present in the cable or wire insulation. When exposed to heat, these flame retardants facilitate chemical reactions that break down flammable compounds into less flammable or nonflammable products. By reducing the availability of combustible materials, they hinder the combustion process, which, in turn, reduces the risk of combustion and the production of toxic gases.

2. Char Formation: While not a direct catalytic decomposition process, many flame retardants promote the formation of a char layer on the surface of the cable or wire insulation when exposed to heat. This char layer is composed of carbonaceous materials and can act as a barrier, insulating the underlying material from the flame. It can also trap and encapsulate flammable and toxic components, reducing their release into the environment.

3. Free Radical Scavenging: Flame retardants can act as free radical scavengers. During combustion, free radicals are generated, which play a crucial role in the chain reactions of combustion. Flame retardants intercept these free radicals, preventing them from initiating further combustion reactions. By suppressing the chemical chain reaction, flame retardants reduce the intensity of the flame and limit the production of toxic gases.

4. Reduced Oxygen Availability: Inorganic flame retardants, such as aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide, release water vapor when heated. This water vapor can reduce the oxygen concentration in the vicinity of the flame. Since oxygen is essential for combustion, lower oxygen levels can hinder the combustion process, reducing the risk of combustion and the production of toxic gases.

While these mechanisms do not directly catalytically decompose toxic gases, they collectively contribute to fire safety by limiting the spread of flames, reducing the intensity of combustion, and minimizing the production of smoke and toxic fumes during a fire event. This is crucial for protecting both property and human life in the event of a fire involving cables and wires.