Flame-Retardant Plastic Materials
Flame-retardant plastics are treated plastic materials that resist burning and are non-flammable to a certain standard or classification. Typically flame-retardant plastics are treated with an additive to prevent the burning and dripping of particles, depending on the flame-retardant classification. Plastic Design Inc. delivers innovative plastic solutions for various industries, including flame-retardant plastics. We offer several flame-retardant plastic materials for various applications.
Standards and Classifications
Flame-retardant materials are classified into six categories, from least to most flame-retardant. Flame-retardant classifications include the following:
- HB: Requires the horizontal specimen to burn slowly, with a burn rate of less than 76 mm per minute when the thickness is less than 3 mm or when the specimen stops burning before 100 mm of thickness.
- V-2: Requires the vertical specimen to stop burning within 30 seconds with allowance for dripping flaming particles.
- V-1: Requires the vertical specimen to stop burning within 30 seconds with allowance for dripping particles without flames.
- V-0: Requires the vertical specimen to stop burning within 10 seconds with allowance for non-inflamed dripping particles.
- 5VB: Requires the vertical specimen to stop burning within 60 seconds with no dripping. 5VB-rated materials may develop a hole in plaque specimens.
- 5VA: Requires the vertical specimen to stop burning within 60 seconds. 5VA-rated materials do not allow dripping and hole development on plaque specimens.
For cleanroom applications, the FM 4910 standard applies. This standard pertains to the fire-safe performance of clean room materials, ensuring they meet strict fire safety requirements for sensitive manufacturing environments.
Types of Flame-Retardant Plastic Materials
Several flame-retardant plastic materials are available for use in various applications. At Plastic Design Inc, we work with the following:
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): A thermoplastic polymer widely used in manufacturing textile fibers, packaging materials, and water bottles. The material can be made flame retardant by introducing brominated flame retardants and other additives.
- Polypropylene (PP): A thermoplastic polymer suitable for various applications, including medical devices, packaging materials, and automotive parts. Manufacturers can make PP flame retardant by introducing additives like metal oxides and halogenated flame retardants.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): A highly versatile thermoplastic polymer that finds application in various industries, including automotive, electrical, and construction. Manufacturers have the option to enhance the flame resistance of PVC by incorporating brominated or chlorinated flame retardants, antimony trioxide, or phosphorus-based retardants. In specialized environments like clean rooms, two common types of PVC materials are used – CRP-1 (Type I PVC), which meets the FM 4910 standard, and PVC/C (chlorinated PVC), renowned for its excellent fire resistance and chemical compatibility.
- Polycarbonate (PC): A durable thermoplastic polymer with a transparent surface suitable for automotive and electrical components or optical lenses. Manufacturers can make PC flame retardant by introducing phosphorus-based brominated flame retardants and other additives.
- Polyurethane (PU): A polymer offering versatility for numerous applications, such as coatings, upholstery, furniture, and foam insulation. Manufacturers can make PU flame retardant with intumescent additives, phosphorus-based flame retardants, and brominated flame retardant additives.
- Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS): A thermoplastic polymer suitable for manufacturing household appliances and automotive components. It is also widely used in 3D printing. Manufacturers can make ABS flame retardant by introducing phosphorous-based flame retardants or brominated flame retardant additives.
Applications of Flame Retardant Plastic Materials
At Plastic Design, flame-retardant plastics are used in various applications, including the following:
- Chemical handling equipment and components such as chemical distribution units, carboy holding systems, and chemical mixing systems.
- Custom plastic tanks for use in biomedical, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor industries.
- Wet benches for semiconductor manufacturing that can withstand flammable and highly reactive chemicals
- Cleanroom essentials, such as pass-throughs, isolators, and bottle wash systems.
- Tanks and fume hoods for life science applications where the risk of fire or explosion is high.
Flame-Retardant Plastic Materials from Plastic Design Inc.
Flame-retardant plastics prevent burning and can be made to fulfill one of six flame retardancy classifications. Various plastic materials can be made flame-retardant by introducing an additive to the plastic, such as phosphorous or bromine. They include common plastics like PET, ABS, and PP. Flame-retardant plastics are suitable for numerous applications where components or parts must be non-flammable, such as in construction, automotive, and electronics. Plastic Design Inc. has been working with clients in various industries to deliver innovative plastic solutions since 1976. Request a quote to speak with a team member about the flame-retardant plastic solution for your application.