Flame retardants from Clariant International Ltd. provide protection in oyster-shell filled polypropylene, Clariant reports.
The Muttenz, Switzerland, company says its Exolit AP non-halogenated flame retardants are effective in oyster-shell filled PP from compounder Eurostar Engineering Plastics of Fosses, France. Eurostar developed the oyster shell/PP technology as a way of using a mineral-based filler while avoiding the environmental disadvantages and high energy consumption of standard mining processes. Using oyster shells also reduces landfill loads through recycling.
Clariant reports research at the University of Lille in France shows the PP compound has higher thermal stability when phosphate-based Exolit AP760 is added to the compound. The additive supplier claims Exolit does not show toxic effects, does not accumulate in the environment and it degrades to naturally occurring phosphate. Dosage levels can be low to minimize effects on a compound's mechanical properties.
"The project results herald a breakthrough in the feasibility of using bio-based materials in high-end application areas, such as the automotive and building and construction industries, where effective flame retardancy is required," states Sophie Duqesne, research leader for the Unité Matériaux et Transformations at the University of Lille.
Clariant tel. 41-6146-96-296, fax 41-6146-96-597; Eurostar tel. 33-1-3447-4700, fax 33-1-3447-4718.