The Importance of Flame Retardants in Fire Safety

In Europe, fire incidents result in approximately 12 casualties and 120 severe injuries each day, leading to economic losses amounting to several billion euros annually. This highlights the critical need for robust fire protection measures, including fire-proof products and flame retardants (FRs), which are integral across various industrial sectors.

Flame retardants, also known as fire retardants, are substances incorporated into finished materials like plastics, paper, wood, or textiles. They are also utilized as surface applications and coatings to inhibit, suppress, or delay flame production, thus preventing fire spread. It's essential to note that while FRs can impede fire propagation, they cannot completely prevent a fire or extinguish it once it's fully developed.

Mechanisms of Flame Retardants

The effectiveness of a flame retardant depends on its compound type, engaging both chemical and physical processes:

• Surface Protection: The FR forms a protective layer on the material's surface when exposed to fire.
• Energy Absorption: It decomposes, releasing water, which absorbs energy and cools down the material.
• Radical Interference: The FR disrupts the chain reactions in the gas flame phase, slowing combustion.
• Intumescent Systems: In case of fire, these coatings swell, forming a thick, non-flammable barrier that insulates and protects the substrate material.

The process by which flame retardants work to inhibit and manage fire spread in materials

Conclusion

With the growing focus on safety and the financial impact of fire incidents, integrating flame retardants into materials used in industries like coatings, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care is indispensable. By understanding their mechanisms and applications, industries can enhance safety standards effectively. For more information or to explore our range of flame retardant products, contact Keyser & Mackay today.