Reactive and polymeric flame retardants: ICL’s safer approach to fire safety

As a leading global flame retardant solution provider, ICL produces a wide range of flame retardants for a variety of products and needs. Yet with the progress of science and rising scrutiny regarding components that compromise the environment, ICL is focused on developing novel flame retardant solutions that that promote a safer and more sustainable world.

Flame retardants: The first generations

Flame retardants were first developed in the mid-20^th century to curb the flammability of numerous products and enhance safety. The flame retardants were mixed with or into flammable base materials such as plastics, foams, fabrics and more, saving countless lives. The first generations of flame retardants are still commonly used in various plastics, where the polymeric matrix forms a physical mixture with the FR. An example of this are products based on polyolefins.

The introduction of reactive flame retardants

Scientific progress did not skip the flame retardant industry, and not long after the initial invention of FRs, more robust alternatives to flame retardants susceptible to migration were developed. These solutions, known as reactive flame retardants, form chemical bonds, as they become an integral part of their host material during its formation. In terms of stability, the final material contains a built-in flame retardant that cannot migrate.

The chemical bonding makes reactive flame retardants suitable for applications requiring long-lasting flame resistance where the polymeric host matrix has the ability to react with FR, such as PU, epoxy, UPE, etc. The evolution of reactive flame retardants continues from the mid-20^th century to this day, with many solutions offering a balance between fire safety, durability, and environmental responsibility.

Polymeric flame retardants: The innovative game changers

As the reactive flame retardant field continues to pave new ground, scientific progress has also spawned polymeric flame retardants – a relatively recent fire safety innovation that addresses environmental and health concerns. Introduced in the early 2000s, polymeric (and oligomeric) additive flame retardants are less likely to migrate out of the host material due to their high molecular weight.

Suitable for scenarios where migration prevention is crucial,polymeric flame retardants are incorporated into the compounds via physical mixing. Adhering to stringent global regulations, polymeric flame retardants represent a shift towards fire safety technologies that emphasize sustainability. They are also ideal for industries demanding safer consumer products, including textiles, building & construction materials and electronic appliances.

Right for people, right for planet, right for progress

ICL invests significant research and development resources in developing innovative flame retardants that balance high performance with improved sustainability. In recent years, we have added to our portfolio new reactive flame retardants that chemically bond to the material and provide long-lasting protection. In addition, our polymeric flame retardants offer minimized migration while enhancing fire resistance. Each type comes with its own advantages and is chosen based on the customer’s specific requirements and regulations.

At ICL, we believe that flame retardants should not only promote fire safety – but safety on all levels. Our reactive and polymeric flame retardants present optimal safety performance to protect human lives and the environment. To expand our efforts and develop new sustainable and safe flame retardants, we have launched FRontier – a groundbreaking initiative for Innovation and Sustainability in FR, which creates impactful partnerships with start-ups, industry leaders and research institutions.

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ICL Flame Retardants, The Right Choice.