RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. - Reichhold Chemicals Inc. has developed two new fire-retardant resins that will allow the company to discontinue its use of the post-bromination production process. The process change reduces the risks of transporting potentially hazardous chemicals, said Richard Martens, Reichhold's technical manager.
Both new resins - Dion FR 7704 and Dion FR 7767 - will be available Dec. 1.
The post-bromination process, introduced in the 1960s, was the method of choice because it was seen as the simplest and most economical way to produce fire-retardant resins, Martens said.
``We've come to realize that the post-bromination process is no longer an environmentally acceptable production technique,'' he said.
The process required Reichhold to ship liquid bromine cross-country by rail, which is costly and potentially hazardous.
The new method is a much cleaner process that eliminates residual methylene chloride and the use of special promoters and stabilizers.
Dion FR 7704, the replacement for Dion 6604T, features a low styrene content, only 29-32 percent.
Dion 7767, which replaces Dion 6667, can be used without antimony trioxide, but it may be added to achieve the maximum degree of fire protection.
Reichhold, headquartered in Research Triangle Park, said the resins being that are being replaced will not be available after Jan. 31.
