Understand non-toxic flame retardants, such as phosphorus, nitrogen, inorganic, borate, silicon, and polymer flame retardants. These environmentally friendly materials are fire-resistant and harmless to the human body, widely used in the fields of construction, electronics, textiles, and transportation, helping to achieve a safer and more environmentally friendly living environment.
Introduction
In modern society, flame retardants play a crucial role in various fields. They are added to various materials to reduce or prevent the spread of flames. However, traditional flame retardants often contain toxic components, posing a potential threat to human health and the environment. Therefore, the development and application of non-toxic flame retardants have become an important research direction. This article will provide a detailed introduction to several common non-toxic flame retardants and their applications.
1. Phosphorus based flame retardants
Phosphorus based flame retardants are the most widely used class of non-toxic flame retardants. They prevent the spread of flames by forming a protective carbon layer at high temperatures.
Red phosphorus: Red phosphorus generates polyphosphate during combustion, forming a protective carbon layer that isolates oxygen, thereby slowing down the combustion process. Red phosphorus is commonly used in electronic products and plastic materials.
Phosphate ester: Phosphate ester flame retardant is widely used in foam materials and plastics. They decompose at high temperatures, releasing phosphoric acid, forming a flame retardant barrier.
2. Nitrogen based flame retardants
Nitrogen based flame retardants inhibit combustion by releasing nitrogen, and have good flame retardant effects with low toxicity.
Melamine: Melamine decomposes at high temperatures to release nitrogen gas, diluting the oxygen in the combustion zone, thereby suppressing the spread of flames. It is commonly used in plastics, textiles and foam materials.
Cyanurates: These compounds decompose upon heating to produce nitrogen and water vapor, which also have a flame retardant effect.
3. Inorganic flame retardants
Inorganic flame retardants have excellent heat resistance and environmental characteristics, and are widely used in various materials.
Aluminum hydroxide: Aluminum hydroxide decomposes and releases water vapor at high temperatures, cooling the combustion area and diluting the combustion gas to prevent flame spread. It is mainly used in plastics, rubber, and coatings.
Magnesium hydroxide: Similar to aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide releases water vapor at high temperatures, playing a cooling and dilution role. It is commonly used in cables, plastics, and building materials.
4. Borates
Borates form a glass like protective layer to isolate flames and have good flame retardant properties.
Sodium borate: Sodium borate forms a glassy coating at high temperatures, isolating oxygen and reducing combustion rate. It is widely used in wood, paper products, and textiles.
Zinc borate: Zinc borate also forms a protective coating at high temperatures and is commonly used in rubber and plastic products.
5. Silicon based flame retardants
Silicon based flame retardants prevent flame spread by forming a high-temperature resistant silicon oxide layer during combustion.
Siloxane: Siloxane is widely used in coatings and foam materials. At high temperatures, they will form a high-temperature resistant silicon oxide layer, effectively preventing flame propagation.
6. Polymer flame retardants
Polymer flame retardants form a protective carbon layer on the surface of materials through chemical reactions, effectively isolating heat sources and oxygen.
Phosphorus containing polymers: These polymers form a dense carbon layer during combustion, preventing flame propagation. They are commonly used in textiles and plastic materials.
Expansive flame retardant system: This flame retardant system expands at high temperatures, forming a porous carbon layer that serves to isolate heat sources and oxygen. They are widely used in building materials and cables.
Conclusion
Non toxic flame retardants not only ensure material safety, but also pay attention to environmental protection and human health, and have broad application prospects. With the continuous advancement of technology and the enhancement of environmental awareness, non-toxic flame retardants will play an important role in more fields in the future. We have reason to believe that through scientific innovation and continuous efforts, the use of flame retardants will become greener and safer, creating a better living environment for humanity.