Selection criteria

"Side effects"

It is important that the best suitable flame retardant is selected for the specific application and, where necessary, that the overall recipe of the plastic is also improved. This is because the advantages of flame retardants - increasing the fire safety of products - can also cause some disadvantages.

During production and use of plastics:

• Worsening of the mechanical and electrical properties of the plastic
• Resistance to water, high temperatures, sunlight, chemicals, etc. can be affected
• Flame retardants have their price - this can affect the price of the end product

Migration/emission:

• Some flame retardants migrate out of the material under certain conditions, i.e. they vaporize. 

 During recycling or disposal:

• Possible release of toxic decomposition products
• Separate processing may be required for halogenated products
• Corrosive fire gases may be produced by halogenated products