What Is a Flame Retardant Masterbatch?

Flame Retardant Masterbatch are thermoplastic compounds formulated from thermoplastic resin blended with various flame retardants to produce a cost-effective and safe alternative to flame retardant powder. Flame Retardant Masterbatches play an integral part in plastic production and help manufacturers comply with regulations for fire safety in various industries such as construction, electrical, and electronics to avoid fire hazards that harm people's lives and property.

These compounds are added to polymers before extrusion, injection molding or casting into final products and prevent the creation of harmful vapors during a fire that could be inhaled by people nearby. They also enhance product performance by acting as a protective barrier that slows fire spread while mitigating heat damage to materials.

The type of flame retardant used in a master batch depends on its application; however, two common chemical additives include halogenated and non-halogenated flame retardants. Halogenated flame retardants use elements from Group 17 of the Periodic Table such as chlorine, bromine, and iodine to effectively block oxygen access to polymer molecules within them to prevent fires; they have proven very effective; however, their presence has raised some environmental and health concerns due to potential impact on our ozone layer and health risks.

Non-halogenated flame retardants use inorganic compounds like aluminum trihydrate (ATH) or magnesium hydroxide to block oxygen and slow the polymer from burning, effectively meeting stringent regulatory standards while remaining more expensive than their halogenated counterparts and potentially leading to poor mechanical properties and processing issues when used at higher concentrations.

When employing a flammability modifier masterbatch in the production of polyolefins, its addition level is essential in attaining desired levels of fire safety. Achieve a UL V-2 rating requires 10-14% addition; to reach UL V-0 status 18-20% of base resin must be treated. In certain instances, adding talcum powder could result in dripping, compromising its effectiveness as an anti-flammability modifier.

Knowing what standards must be met when selecting a flame retardant masterbatch is key in selecting an ideal formulation. Are UL 94 V-2, V-1, or V-0 ratings required for your product, as well as UV stability requirements? Answering these questions ahead of time will enable our technical team to assist in selecting an ideal chemical blend for your project.

Common Universal Grade Granules Black Masterbatch Black Plastic Granules