If you are utilizing plastics, you are probably aware that there are many different types of additives that you can choose to operate in the manufacturing of your plastic. These additives serve various purposes, such as antimicrobial, chemical foaming agents, process aids, essential oils, and more. You may have even seen flame retardant additives. Flame retardant additives are very popular because, in many applications, they are necessary to protect the end-user, as plastic is used in a wide variety of industries around the world.
Why Choose Flame Retardant Additives?
Flame retardant compounds are a great option because, by their very nature, polymers are combustible. Utilizing flame retardant additives to your polymers will help to eliminate some of this innate combustibility, making the final product safer to use in a wide variety of unique applications in the marketplace. These additives are beneficial for various reasons, but specifically, because they can help save lives.
Benefits of Flame Retardant Additives
The right flame retardant additives can drastically improve fire safety and help your plastic products meet stringent industry regulations. Some of the key benefits include:
- Slow down polymer combustion and degradation
- Reduce smoke emissions that can harm visibility and breathing during a fire
- Avoid drippage of melting polymers, which can accelerate fire spread
- Minimize the spread and effect of a fire by suppressing ignition points
- Improve compliance with safety standards in industries like construction, automotive, and electronics
No one plans for a fire. Choosing additives that will slow a fire from spreading and minimize its effects makes good sense—not just for compliance reasons, but for protecting people, property, and products.
Common Applications
Flame retardants are not limited to one industry. They are used across numerous sectors where plastics play a critical role in performance and safety. Some of the most common applications include:
- Automotive parts: Interior components, under-the-hood plastics, and wiring harnesses benefit from flame retardant protection.
- Electronics: Circuit boards, housing materials, and cables require additives to address both heat resistance and fire safety standards.
- Construction materials: Insulation, piping, and plastic fixtures must adhere to strict building codes and fire safety standards.
- Consumer products: Furnishings, textiles, toys, and household appliances rely on flame retardants to reduce fire risk in everyday use.
By integrating these additives into polymers, manufacturers can create safer, more reliable products without sacrificing performance.
Types of Flame Retardant Chemistries
Phoenix Plastics understands that not all applications require the same level of protection, which is why we offer a broad portfolio of flame retardant systems. These include:
- Aluminum trihydrate (ATH): A cost-effective, widely used additive that releases water when heated to suppress flames and smoke.
- Magnesium hydroxide: Similar to ATH but suitable for higher temperature processing, offering superior heat resistance.
- Intumescent systems: Form an insulating char layer when exposed to heat, creating a protective barrier between flames and the polymer’s surface.
- Brominated systems: Highly effective in reducing flammability and commonly used in applications requiring compliance with regulatory safety standards.
Each formulation is engineered to balance fire safety with mechanical performance—ensuring the final plastic product is both durable and compliant.
Phoenix Plastics Offers Flame Retardant Additives
Phoenix Plastics would love to meet with you if you are interested in utilizing this type of additive in your plastics manufacturing. We have a complete line of flame retardant compounds and concentrates designed for different resins, applications, and processing conditions. Whether your focus is regulatory compliance, end-user safety, or enhanced product performance, our technical experts will help you select the right solution for your needs. Contact Phoenix Plastics today, and let’s find the solutions to fit your needs.
