International study: Flame retardants can save lives
The vast differences in country-specific fire safety regulations can have a dramatic impact on the fire safety of furnishings. As a result, there is more or less time to escape from fires. In a recent study* three replicates of identical rooms are used for each of the countries studied (France, United Kingdom, United States) to increase the reliability of the data and make a more reliable comparison. The results has shown that flame retarded furniture used in Great Britain helps to delay time to flashover and reduces smoke production when compared to non flame retarded furniture used in the U.S. and France.
SOLUTIONS TO ENHANCE ESCAPE TIME
A variety of flame retardant technologies is needed to address the complex challenges posed by the diversity of materials and their intended uses. LANXESS, as one of the global leaders in flame retardants, offers a wide spectrum of solutions for applications such as e-mobility, electronic components, electrical enclosures, building products, furniture foam and more.
LANXESS has ambitious targets and aims to become climate-neutral by 2040. To achieve this, we have developed a clear strategy and have already launched the first major projects. We aim to cooperate actively on the transformation of industry and global value chains and thus to foster the transition to a more sustainable world. Therefore, LANXESS is embedding sustainability even more firmly in the company. A new system of compensation for the Board of Management has been in place since the beginning of the year 2021. Roughly one-third of the variable compensation is now linked to the company’s sustainability performance.
LANXESS’ vision of sustainability is twofold: our products need to be sustainable in their own right, likewise the applications in which these products are used. One cannot work without the other!
We illustrate this philosophy with the example of flame retardants for use in thermal insulation foams, which is indispensable in modern homes and buildings. By significantly reducing the chance of fire and energy losses in our living spaces, meeting the huge challenges arising from climate change becomes more of a reality. Therefore, this end use of flame retardants takes on global significance in our quest for sustainable applications.
LANXESS is proud to offer an innovative polymeric flame retardant for polystyrene insulation foams, Emerald Innovation® 3000. This molecule is part of our extensive offering of reactive and higher molecular weight flame retardants. These are of low volatility and low bioaccumulation potential, resulting in a sustainable human health and environmental profile. We offer one of the world’s most comprehensive flame retardant portfolios, supported by a global network of sales and technical experience and expertise.
LANXESS offers products and solutions for the entire value chain of lithium-ion batteries
Energizing Mobility: Lithium-ion batteries will play a key role in future technology solutions in the areas of e-mobility, energy storage and consumer electronics. In particular, the trend towards e-mobility is driving investments in the mass production of batteries.
Especially in the “heart” of electric vehicles namely the batteries, materials from LANXESS contribute directly or indirectly to making them safer and more powerful. Flame retardants for polymer housings and components, as well as in the electrolyte, increase safety while maintaining the performance of the battery systems. LANXESS offers a broad portfolio of phosphorus and bromine-based flame retardants for various applications in an electric vehicle.
LANXESS is also one of the world’s leading manufacturers of fluorine and phosphorus chemicals, two key raw materials for lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6), which has established itself as the common conductive salt in electrolytes for lithium-ion cells.
In addition, LANXESS is working closely with the Canadian company Standard Lithium Ltd. to produce battery-grade lithium from the brine that LANXESS extracts from its existing bromine wells in El Dorado, Arkansas, USA. Standard Lithium brings in an innovative and environmentally friendly process for the extraction of high-purity lithium directly from the brines.
LANXESS recognizes that it has an important role to play in the Circular Economy journey
In recent years, the European Union has come up with the Circular Economy policy, whose vision is to eliminate waste and to ensure that resources remain in use continually. Circular systems employ reuse, sharing, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing and recycling to create a closed-loop system, minimizing the use of resource inputs and the creation of waste, pollution and carbon emissions. The European Commission is now implementing a Circular Economy Action Plan, which introduces a number of measures targeting areas where action at the EU level brings real added value.
Resource efficiency and waste reduction are of utmost importance for LANXESS and the company has committed to ambitious waste and CO2 reduction targets. LANXESS, as a major player in the polymer additives space, also recognizes that it has an important role to play in the Circular Economy journey. The Management Board of LANXESS, in embracing this philosophy, has empowered senior leadership to fully engage in projects appropriate to their Business Units. Accordingly, a number of initiatives have already commenced or are at advanced stages. We are actively pursuing projects in order to demonstrate that our flame retardants are ready for Circular Economy.
For example, we are members of the Polystyrene Loop Cooperative that aims to remove problematic legacy substances such as HBCD from waste streams, turning them into polystyrene and bromine for reuse. We are extending this approach to other flame retardants with the aim to recycle waste streams into valuable additive and intermediate components.
Furthermore, LANXESS cooperates with industrial and research partners to investigate the behavior of products in different recycling techniques. This approach is in line with our belief that a truly Circular Economy can only be achieved by utilizing mechanical and (thermo) chemical recycling pathways. As a member of the North American Flame Retardants Alliance (NAFRA), LANXESS is working together with Security Matters (SMX) to evaluate the opportunity of using SMX’s proprietary, Artificial intelligence-based chemical-tracing technology to improve sorting of plastics containing flame retardants. The business unit is also looking at the phosphorus and bromine value chains to increase the share of recycled and renewable raw materials.
Applications in which our products are convincing
Electrical & Electronic
The application of flame retardants in the Electrical and Electronic (E&E) market can be divided into four major segments: connectors, printed wire boards, enclosures, and cables.
Connectors are ubiquitous in today’s super-charged growth of electronic devices. They are critical for the proper and reliable functioning of computers, notebooks, televisions, mobile phones, electrical appliances, games, and all devices that enable “smart” technology. They are present in virtually every electrical and electronic device we use and encounter every day, and are most recognizable as USB and HDMI ports enabling critical connection to external devices such as printers, monitors, TVs, and docking stations, for example.
Because electrical and electronic devices are so pervasive in our lives and because these devices are becoming smaller and more high-powered, it is imperative that flame retardants be used for fire safety if malfunctions were to occur.
LANXESS offers several brominated flame retardants for use in engineering thermoplastics, which are widely employed as resins for connectors: polyamides like PA-66, PA-6, high temperature PA, as well as polyesters such as PBT and PET. Those for polyamides include PDBS-80, Firemaster® PBS-64HW and Firemaster® CP-44F, while those for polyesters include BC-52 and BC-58.
LANXESS offers the brominated flame retardant, BA-59P for epoxy-based PWBs and the phosphate esters Disflamoll® TP, Disflamoll® DPK and Reofos® 35 for phenolic-based PWBs.
Cables are omnipresent in our daily lives and we expect that they will grow in a rapidly developing world with its change towards electrical mobility, smart homes, and linked industries. As common and necessary as electricity is, cables always carry the risk of short circuits resulting in fires. LANXESS flame retardants reduce this risk and moreover meet many other stringent material requirements.
LANXESS offers suitable products for a variety of different polymeric materials: e.g.: Disflamoll® DPK for cables based on TPU, PVC and rubber, Reofos® 95 for PVC and rubber cables used at higher temperatures and Uniplex FRP 45 for PVC and rubber cables, whenever outstanding flame retardancy and thermostability are required.
Construction
Building and construction products have to fulfill a multitude of performance requirements. One essential criterion for all types of construction material is fire safety. Fire safety is composed of different elements such as building design, type of used materials, use of fire alarms and sprinkler systems.
The fire safety performance of construction products can be improved by the addition of flame retardants. The choice of the appropriate flame retardant depends on the type of material and its use within the building.
Flooring is not just an aesthetic matter. In most countries, rigorous requirements for the fire protection of floorings in public buildings must be met. Furthermore, one feels safer if, for example,floors of theaters and hospitals meet such requirements.
Typical requirements for public floorings are low flammability, slow flame propagation and low smoke density in case of fire.
PVC floorings which contain Disflamoll® DPK or Reofos® 50 show excellent flame retardancy. Low smoke density requirements can be achieved with Disflamoll® DPO. These products are also suitable for rubber- or PUR-based floorings.
Insulation foams help to minimize the energy consumption of buildings and thus contribute to a more sustainable society. Besides excellent insulation properties, other requirements have to be fulfilled, most notably fire safety. In order to meet these requirements, flame retardants are usually added to the insulation foams.
Polystyrene
A major group of insulation foams is based on polystyrene (PS). There are two types of polystyrene foam as defined by their manufacturing process: Expanded (EPS) and Extruded (XPS) polystyrene. As for polyurethane-based foams, there are strict flame retardancy requirements for PS foam.
In the past, hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) has been the standard FR for PS foams. However, due to environmental bioaccumulation concerns, its use has been discontinued in favor of the new, safer brominated polymeric flame retardant of LANXESS, Emerald Innovation® 3000. Due to its polymeric structure, Emerald Innovation® 3000 is not bio-accumulable and therefore has an excellent ecotox profile.
Its highly designed polymeric backbone of styrene and butadiene coupled with subsequent sophisticated bromination techniques provide the necessary high temperature stability for processing. Its high bromine content provides all of the required flame retardancy to PS foam without the negative ecotox properties of HBCD.
Polyurethane
Another major group of insulation foam is based on rigid polyurethane (PU) because of its excellent insulation properties. PU foam can be applied in several ways such as insulation boards with flexible or rigid facing, spray coating or via can foam.
LANXESS offers a comprehensive range of flame retardants, which are particularly suitable for this type of foam. This includes products based on phosphorus such as Levagard® PP and Levagard® TEP-Z as well as brominated flame retardants such as PHT4-Diol.
Transportation
Transportation plays an important role in our modern society. Different types of transportation involve different risks for fire and different fire scenarios. Thus a variety of different fire standards reflect different fire scenarios. Various types of flame retardants are used in materials for transportation depending on the type of material and its final application.
Materials used in automotive applications must meet a wide range of requirements for specific functionality, low emission and fire performance.
E-vehicles and buses need flame retarded materials meeting increasingly higher fire safety requirements than in the past.
LANXESS offers a wide range of flame retardants that enable such materials to meet these fire safety requirements. Levagard® 3000 is a flame retardant product developed for flexible PU foams and used in automotive applications to follow industry trends toward lower emissions. Disflamoll® DPK and Disflamoll® 51092 are effective flame retardants for cables (e.g. TPU-based) used in automotive applications. Brominated flame retardants are especially used in automotive parts made of engineering thermoplastics. This includes PDBS-80, Firemaster® PBS-64HW and Firemaster® CP-44HF for connectors made of polyamides as well as BC-52 and BC-58 for polybutylene terephthalate-based connectors.
There are strict regulations regarding the fire safety of rail vehicles in most countries of the world. A large number of passengers in a confined space with limited escape possibilities, such as in a tunnel, require special material properties.
In addition to the flammability of materials, fire side effects such as smoke density and smoke toxicity must also be taken into account. These strict requirements massively limit the product selection.
In particular, the halogen-free phosphorus-based products of the Disflamoll® and Reofos® series help to meet the requirements for rubber and plastic parts in rail vehicles. Levagard® products can be used in a variety of PUR-based materials such as cushions and coatings.
An aircraft is clearly a high hazard environment and as such, the fire protection requirements in aviation are particularly stringent.
Halogen-free phosphorus-based Disflamoll® and Levagard® products from LANXESS can be part of flame retardant coatings and sealants.
QUALITY SUSTAINS
Like all chemicals, flame retardants need to undergo extensive testing and safety assessments throughout their life cycle to make sure they comply with all relevant legislation and do not cause harm to people or the environment.
We believe the public should not be forced to choose between human health and environmental protection on the one hand and fire safety on the other – they are entitled to both. Our business demands the highest standards of both fire retardancy performance and environmental sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here we answer the most frequently asked questions round about flame retardants ( You can also watch some answers to important questions on the topic in explanatory videos by expert Dr Jürgen H. Troitzsch on Youtube and also the the videos of Pinfa-NA (Phosphorus, Inorganic and Nitrogen Flame Retardants Association North America).The advent of plastics and synthetic textiles in the ‘50s and ‘60s led to more and more flammable materials and ignition sources entering our living spaces. While these products made our lives more comfortable and functional, they also increased the risk of fire. It was soon realized that fire safety standards were essential to reduce their risk. Such standards were therefore developed for electrical and electronic appliances, furniture, thermal insulation and many other flammable products and components. It was also discovered that flame retardants provided a technically and economically feasible technique to comply with these standards.
The term “flame retardant” describes a wide range of substances used to prevent or slow down a fire. Flame retardants are simply additives that are incorporated into materials that burn easily, in order to prevent ignition or slow down a fire. Therefore, flame retardants help to prevent fires, or if started slow down fire spread, reduce heat release, smoke formation and toxic fire effluents. Most importantly, they enhance the time available for safe escape. This can mean the difference between life and injury or even death.
Flame retardants work by interfering with the combustion process and reducing the flammability of materials. The exact mechanisms can vary depending on the type of flame retardant used. Here are a few common ways in which flame retardants work:
Chemical Reactions: Some flame retardants work by undergoing chemical reactions when exposed to heat or flames. These reactions can release water, carbon dioxide, or other gases that dilute the flammable gases produced during combustion, reducing the availability of fuel for the fire.
Thermal Insulation: Certain flame retardants create a protective layer or barrier on the material's surface when exposed to heat. This layer acts as a shield, insulating the underlying material from the heat and slowing down the transfer of heat energy. By reducing the material's temperature, they can inhibit the ignition and spread of fire.
Endothermic Reactions: Endothermic flame retardants absorb heat from the surroundings when exposed to flames. By absorbing a significant amount of heat energy, they can lower the temperature of the material and prevent or delay its ignition.
Formation of Char: Some flame retardants promote the formation of a stable char layer when subjected to high temperatures. This char layer acts as a protective barrier, shielding the material beneath from the heat and flames. It acts as an insulator and reduces the release of flammable gases, slowing down the progression of the fire.
Oxygen Dilution: Certain flame retardants can release inert gases, such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide, when exposed to heat. These gases dilute the oxygen concentration in the vicinity of the material, making it more difficult for the fire to sustain itself.
It's important to note that different types of flame retardants may employ multiple mechanisms simultaneously or have specific modes of action tailored to the material and application requirements. The selection of the appropriate flame retardant depends on factors such as the material type, fire safety standards, regulatory requirements, and specific performance needs.
Fire Safety: Flame retardants play a crucial role in improving fire safety. They help prevent or delay the ignition of materials, reduce the flammability of products, and inhibit the spread of fires. This is particularly important in industries where the risk of fire is high, such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, furniture, and construction.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Many industries are subject to strict safety regulations and standards that mandate the use of flame retardants in certain applications. Compliance with these regulations is essential to ensure product safety, meet legal requirements, and avoid penalties or liability in case of fire-related incidents.
Risk Mitigation: Flame retardants help mitigate the risk of fire accidents and their potentially devastating consequences. By incorporating flame retardants into products and materials, industries can reduce the likelihood and severity of fires, limit property damage, and protect human lives.
Insurance Requirements: In some cases, insurance companies may require the use of flame retardants as a condition for providing coverage. Having flame-retardant materials or products can help lower insurance premiums and demonstrate a commitment to risk management and safety.
Customer Expectations: Consumers, businesses, and other stakeholders increasingly prioritize safety and fire resistance when choosing products or materials. By incorporating flame retardants, industries can meet customer expectations, enhance brand reputation, and gain a competitive edge in the market.
Code Compliance: Building codes and regulations often require the use of flame retardants in construction materials, particularly in high-rise buildings, public facilities, and other structures where fire safety is critical. Compliance with these codes is essential to obtain building permits and ensure the safety of occupants.
Product Performance: Flame retardants are designed to maintain the desired properties and performance of materials while enhancing fire resistance. They can be formulated to withstand specific environmental conditions, temperature extremes, or mechanical stress, ensuring that products meet the necessary performance requirements.
Overall, flame retardants are essential in various industries to enhance fire safety, comply with regulations, mitigate risks, and meet customer expectations for safer and more reliable products.
Fire Safety: Of course with our applications we help improve the fire safety of materials and products by reducing their flammability and slowing down the spread of fire. This can be crucial in preventing or minimizing fire-related accidents and property damage.
Regulatory Compliance: By using flame retardants that meet applicable regulations and standards, we can ensure compliance with safety requirements in various industries. This helps meet legal obligations and promotes responsible manufacturing practices.
Versatility: Flame retardants can be formulated for use in a wide range of materials and applications. They can be tailored to meet specific performance requirements without compromising the material's properties, allowing for versatility in their application.
Product Durability: Some flame retardants can enhance the durability and longevity of materials by providing additional protection against heat and fire. This can be particularly important for materials used in high-risk environments or those requiring long service life.
Technical Expertise: You benefit from our technical expertise and years of experience in flame retardant technologies. We can provide customized solutions, formulation support, and application-specific guidance to help customers achieve optimal fire safety performance.
Sustainable Solutions: We are working towards developing more sustainable solutions. This includes offering environmentally friendly flame retardants with reduced environmental impact, lower toxicity, and improved end-of-life considerations.
LANXESS SUPPORTS FIRE SAFETY STANDARDS