A useful discussion on formulation of flame retardant PC/ABS and other PC alloys.
So far use of phosphate ester flame retardants such as BDP, RDP and so on is the best FR solution for formulation of a halogen-free flame retardant PC/ABS. However, we have to use them at a relatively large amount so as to meet UL94 V0.
In some cases, use of phosphate ester FRs alone even at a large quantity still does not meet requirement in FR efficiency. Moreover, the large amount of phosphate ester FR in a halogen-free flame retardant PC/ABS could lead to two issues.
Firstly, the overall cost is relatively high due to the large amount of phosphate ester FRs such as BDP and RDP.
Secondly, the heat deflection temperature (HDT) of the alloy is significantly lowered by addition of a large amount of phosphate ester FR.
Combined use of LC-160, a cost-efficient halogen-free flame retardant produced by Limax Chemical, at a dosage of around 0.2-0.3% along with a phosphate ester FR can dramatically enhance flame-retarding efficiency; remarkably reduce the amount of the phosphate ester FR added in PC/ABS without sacrifice in flame-retarding efficiency, ultimately reducing the overall cost and meanwhile increasing HDT of a flame retardant PC/ABS alloy. Therefore, the combination of phosphate ester and LC-160 constitutes a unique and efficient flame retarding solution for PC/ABS and other PC alloys. Here are shown some examples of how LC-160 can be used in PC/ABS alloys as follows.
- PC/ABS (75/25 UL94 V0 1.6mm): PC/ABS(75/25) — 93.80%; RDP — 6.00%; LC-160 — 0.20%
- PC/ABS (60/40 UL94 V0 1.6mm): PC/ABS(60/40) — 89.80%; RDP — 10.00%; LC-160 — 0.20%
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