Two new non-halogen flame retardant (FR) masterbatches from Clariant Masterbatches are fully melt processable, so they eliminate the need to compromise on colour, physical properties or cost when using these environmentally friendly plastic additives. They were developed specifically to help products made of polyester, polypropylene (PP) and thermoplastic urethane (TPU) meet critical flammability standards for applications in extruded and injection-moulded articles.

Like all non-halogen flame retardants, the new Clariant Masterbatches products are free of bromine, chlorine and heavy metals, which have raised health and environmental concerns worldwide. However, unlike many other non-halogen flame retardants, which are based on organo-metallic chemistry, the Clariant additives do not contain solid particles that can make colouring difficult or expensive, and that can diminish important physical properties.

The new FR masterbatches, both marketed under the CESA-flam brand, are the first formulations in two product platforms developed specifically for challenging applications where non-halogen materials have had difficulty competing.

‘The industry has been seeking effective halogen-free solutions for years’, explains Kirk Jacobs, Head of Additive Masterbatches, North America, ‘but only recently have products really become viable. Early approaches, based on organo-metallic chemistry, required dosing as high as 40% in order to get an acceptable FR effect. At these rates, the end products either could not be coloured effectively or colour spaces had to be ignored because high colouring costs were prohibitive. In addition, the high solids content resulted in poor physical and mechanical performance. This new generation of Clariant non-halogen masterbatches uses proprietary chemistry that does not require as much flame retardant to get the job done so additive costs are reduced and parts can be coloured more easily. In addition, because these flame retardants are totally melt-processable, physical properties of the polymer are retained.’