Flame retardancy
- TEG
Flame retardancy is a substance’s resistance to combustion. TEG excels in flame retardancy.
This is because the carbon which forms during thermal expansion can block flames.
Adding TEG to combustible materials such as rubber and resins makes them suitable for use as flame retardant in many different applications such as construction materials.
As TEG is halogen-free, it is superior to halogen flame retardants, the mainstream products for the same application, in terms of environmental friendliness and safety.
When used with phosphorus or other flame retardants, TEG can exhibit greater flame retardancy.
As demand for flame retardants is increasing globally and the environmental regulations are becoming tighter, the expectations for TEG, a material suited to environmental needs, are growing.
Grading of flame retardancy
The flame retardancy (resistance to flame) of TEG is generally graded as UL 94.
The UL standard is established by the U.S. company Underwriters Laboratories, which gives a UL grade to a material.
Generally, the test piece specified by UL 94 is exposed to a flame and using test methods to determining combustion time and whether dripping substances occur:
・slow-burning substances are classified as 94HB and self-extinguishing substances are classified as 94V-2, 94V-1, 94V-0, 94 5VA or 94 5VB depending on the degree of self-extinction.
TEG-based compounding is graded as UL 94V-0 and satisfies the following requirements.
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Combustion for the first sample is not sustained for more than 10 seconds
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Total flaming combustion time of five samples does not exceed 50 seconds
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Combustion for the second sample and after glowing combustion are not sustained for more than 30 seconds
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None of the samples combusted to the clamp holding the sample
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Dripping substance did not burn the cotton below the samples.
Features of TEG as flame retardant
TEG is a unique and excellent flame retardant with two multiplier effects.
Features of TEG as flame retardant
01
A carbon wall forms from the thermal expansion of TEG when a fire occurs and it blocks the reaction of combustible materials and oxygen, a typical cause of fire spreading.
02
Simultaneous endothermic reactions removed the surrounding heat away and calms down the fire.
Being non-halogen, the environmental friendliness and safety of TEG is superior to halogen flame retardants which contain bromine and chlorine.
The unique flame retardancy mechanism contributes to the prevention of smoke generated in a fire.
Using TEG in combination with phosphate ester, red phosphorus or other phosphorus flame retardants can improve flame retardancy.
Adding even a small amount of TEG can exhibit excellent flame retardancy, resulting in low costs.
Further, TEG is processable with different types of resin and rubber and can increase the flame retardancy of a wide range of materials.
(Examples)
Polyvinyl chloride resin, epoxy resin, polypropylene resin, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, etc.
Results of flame retardancy test
Results of flame retardancy tests of TEG are as follows.
| Combination example (weight: ％) | Results of flame retardancy test | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resin | TEG | Phosphorus flame retardant | Total | Oxygen index1 | UL－94※2 | ||
| Polypropylene (PP) |
100 85 75 |
0 10 20 |
None Red scale Phosphate ester |
0 5 5 |
100 100 100 |
19 26 28 |
NG V-O V-O |
| Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) |
100 60 75 |
0 15 15 |
None Red scale Phosphate ester |
0 25 10 |
100 100 100 |
19 26 28 |
NG V-O V-O |
1 Oxygen index necessary for maintaining the combustion of a material
A material with an oxygen index of 26 or greater may be regarded as flame retardant.
2 U.S. standard for flame retardancy used for plastic materials.
It is divided into four grades (V-0, V-1, V-2, NG) with V-0 being the highest.
Applications for TEG
Fields of use
Construction materials (fire prevention sections such as plumbing pipes, window sashes and doors)
Aircraft seats
Different components of railroad cars (ceilings, floors, doors)
Electric cables
Reasons to use TEG
The items around us that are necessary such as home electronics and other electric products, construction materials and vehicles may start a fire or accelerate the fire spread depending on the environment in which they are used.
Increasing the flame retardancy of these materials is important for protecting human lives and property in the event of a fire and to slow the generation of smoke and hazardous fumes to prevent damage to a person’s health when extinguishing a fire or evacuating.
Flame retardants have conventionally been halogen-based. Because of safety and environmental considerations, non-halogen flame retardants such as TEG are attracting attention.
There are also other reasons why TEG has many different applications: It is processable with different types of resin and adding even a small amount of TEG can increase flame retardancy.
Frequently asked questions
Can the amount of expansion, the ash content and other properties of TEG be changed on request?
They can be changed to some extent.
For more information, please contact our sales representative.
What does it look like?
It is a dark gray powder.We are able to provide a sample. If you would like to pick it up in your hands and see it up close, contact our sales representative.
Does it have an expiration date?
Basically, TEG will not deteriorate. But we recommend that you use it within the first six months.
Can we collaborate with you on research, establish a technical partnership or other similar activity?
Yes. Contact us so we can talk about it in detail.
First, please contact our sales representative.