The Characteristics of a Non-Halogen Flame Retardant Compound Using Advanced Thermoplastic Plastomer

摘要

This paper investigates performance characteristics of a non-halogen, low-smoke flame retardant thermoplastic compound derived from soft polypropylene-based plastomers and magnesium hydroxide. Performance characteristics of this FR compound are examined from aspects of physical/mechanical properties, fire/flame characteristics, and processing characteristics. The ability to readily and uniformly incorporate Zerogen magnesium hydroxide into soft Catalloy Plastomers to achieve excellent FR performance, while maintaining viable material processing behavior is studied. The soft nature characteristic of Catalloy Plastomers and its thermoplastic rigidity impart controlled balance among toughness, low-temperature flexibility and achievable service temperature. The lower density of thermoplastic Catalloy Plastomers relative to other polyolefins also allows for reduced finished wire or cable weight. Results from this study show that soft Catalloy Plastomers along with Zerogen offers high performance compounds to the specialty wire and cable applications, such as automotive wires and communications cables where excellent flame retardancy/smoke characteristics and physical/electrical performance are critical to meeting application requirements.