Report examines plastics flame retardent market

With plastics being used increasingly in 'hot' areas of products, a market report examines the new developments from a range of flame retardant producers.

Plastics materials are used in large volumes in major applications such as buildings, vehicles and electronic appliances.

In such areas fire safety is critical.

The latest market report from Rapra, Flame Retardants for Plastics, considers this important market sector, examining the new developments from a range of flame retardant producers.

The author provides a brief description of the different families of flame retardant materials, together with detailed examination of the trends and developments and the available products.

The methods by which the main plastic families are made flame retardant, and the supply chain and market for flame retardant additives are discussed.

The major end uses are considered: automotive/transport, electrical and electronic, building and construction.

Fire testing, fire safety, and environmental issues and legislation are also covered.

Flame retardant compounds covered include brominated materials, phosphorus compounds, antimony trioxide, alumina trihydrate, magnesium hydroxide, zinc borate and intumescent materials.

Information is provided about the products on the market and their applications in various plastics.

Comment is made with regard to the end use and fitness-for-purpose of the materials.

Options are considered for the various plastic families: polyolefins, PVC, styrenics, polyamides, PPO, polyurethane, thermosets (polyesters, epoxies, phenolics), thermoplastic polyester and polycarbonate, and others.

Environmental legislation has affected this sector, particularly in the field of halogenated flame retardants.

The issues are discussed in this report.

At the same time, fire safety requirements for materials have increased.

The uncertainty of the situation has lead to major suppliers of flame retardants branching out to secure their position in the market place.

Thus larger companies have been purchasing suppliers of alternative types of retardants, so that if legislation reduces their share of one sector of the market they can reap the benefits from their alternative products.

Flame Retardants in Plastics highlights the current work by different companies and for different resins; it describes the situation of flux in the marketplace with the new changes to legislation and gives data on the market size and possible future changes.

It provides useful market information for flame retardant and materials suppliers as well as for all product manufacturers.

About the author - Dr Peter Dufton has extensive experience in writing market reports, having worked for the Rapra Industry Analysis unit for many years.

Flame Retardants for Plastics retails at GBP 300.

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