Global custom engineered thermoplastic compounder RTP Company has expanded its broad line of halogen-free flame retardant (FR) compounds to include nylon and polyester grades. These new compounds provide plastics processors and OEMs with more options to meet popular green-initiative requirements driving today’s material selection processes. Halogen-free FR products, which are fully compliant with RoHS Directive regulations, are for the first time available in nearly all resin systems — providing a viable alternative to using traditional halogenated FR additives for applications in electrical & electronics, building and transportation interior markets.

“Development of halogen-free FR materials by RTP Company has been driven by the global push for manufacturers to eliminate halogens from their products,” said Paul Killian, Technical Marketing Manager – FR Products at RTP Company. “Our next generation halogen-free FR compounds do exactly that — while still providing the same physical property and UL94 V-0 FR performance as conventional halogenated grades.” Recent additions to RTP Company halogen-free product line include nylons (PA 6/6, PA 6, HTN, & PPA) and polyesters (PBT, PET, & PTT) in addition to six previous resin systems.

According to Killian, “Increased availability of halogen-free FR plastics is a big benefit to engineers who now have a choice that doesn’t require them to compromise mechanical or FR performance when selecting a plastic material.” Halogen-free FR compounds from RTP Company have UL94 V-0 flammability ratings of either 1/32 or 1/16″ (0.8 or 1.5 mm). Other advantages of using halogen-free FR additives include lower smoke generation, making them ideal for enclosed space applications. They also have a significantly lower specific gravity — up to 20% less than halogenated FR grades — reducing the quantity of material used and thereby end part cost. And, like all products in RTP Company’s extensive portfolio, halogen-free FR properties can be combined with other compounding technologies — such as structural reinforcement or conductivity — to solve multiple problems with a single solution.

“Helping manufacturers meet their environmental objectives, whether it be RoHS, EPEAT, or LEEDS compliance, by developing green-inspired products showcases RTP Company’s responsiveness and ability to tailor our engineered compounds to meet specific application requirements,” said Killian. “Our development of these next generation halogen-free FR systems is a significant step forward in FR additive technology and in meeting manufacturers’ environmental-awareness goals that will allow RTP Company to collaborate with an even wider variety of industries.”

Additional Information