Flame Retardant Chemicals – A Global Market Overview

10 Oct 2011 • by Natalie Aster

The last 20 years have witnessed flame retardants play an increasingly significant role for enhancing the safety of humans as well as limiting damage to property caused by fires. Indeed, these compounds are used in a wide range of products from furniture and computer equipment to building materials and insulation, from car upholstery to jet airliners and in fittings and decorations in hospitals, theaters and residences, to name a few.

Technological advancements in mass transport have revolutionized human lives over the last century, and this is an ever evolving process. Modes of transport have increased the use of plastics, composite materials, foams and textiles that have also enhanced the prospects of flammability. Hence, safety of passengers, particularly in public transport, assumes high significance levels, and it is the duty of civic authorities to ensure that utmost importance is accorded to the same.

New, lighter and technologically advanced materials, such as carbon and glass fibers, composite materials and aluminum, in addition to malleable, resistant and easily pliable plastics, foams and novel categories of textiles have ensured their suitability for specific functions, in addition to making them highly adaptable and economical. Such materials have found increasing applications in structural and decorative components of automobiles, boats, planes, trains and trucks. Utilization of these materials has enabled in significantly reducing the structure and weight of vehicles, which has led to lesser fuel consumption. Plastic replacing metals has also been responsible for lowering manufacturing costs, since a single plastic mold can be fabricated and reused, rather than assembling several different component parts. Since plastics, composite materials, foams and textiles are flammable, they need to be treated with flame retardants to render them fire safe.

Report Details:

Flame Retardant Chemicals – A Global Market Overview
Published: October 2011
Pages: 235
Price: USD 3,960.00

Report Sample Abstract

KEY MARKET TRENDS

New Flame Retardant Greenhouse Film Developed

A small Dutch company has developed a new category of flame retardant greenhouse film that offers high light transmission and thermicity. Thus film can be applied as an isolation layer underneath the glass. Since it has high thermicity and transparency, it aids in crop growth without any losses. The company is on the lookout for partners to further co-develop this technology for specific applications and markets and to form commercial agreements with technical assistance.

This film has been developed in association with growers, greenhouse builders and suppliers of raw materials. Flame retardancy in conventional films hinders light transmission that renders them inappropriate for several crops and flowers. Addition of special additives to the new film maintains its transparency, resulting in high light yield. Another major benefit of the film’s material is that its characteristics offer the possibility of welding, and no stitching that would perforate the film is required.

Regulations play a vital role in deciding on the type of film to be used in a greenhouse. In greenhouses accessed by public and staff having different compartments, such as compartment, different cultivations, etc., it is imperative and prescribed as a rule that a material offering adequate fire safety be used. This implies that the film be retardant, does not drip when on fire and the flames will self-extinguish.

Foam Baby Products Sold in Michigan, Other States Found to Contain Toxic Flame Retardants

A study published recently has revealed that foam baby products sold in Michigan and ten other states contain toxic flame retardant chemicals. Though these flame retardants are legal, they are regarded as toxic by health advocates in 80% of the 101 baby products tested, including 18 products from Michigan. The tested items included nursing pillows, foam changing pads, car seats, sleeping wedges, mattresses and portable cribs.

Researchers state that the use of these chemical flame retardants in such products does not offer any proven fire safety benefits. In fact, tests have shown that several companies’ baby products do not contain any chemical flame retardants. Halogenated flame retardants are legal, though lacking in adequate health safety data, adversely affect the health, and are found in children’s bodies, environment, and food. In the 1970s, research efforts have contributed to the removal of certain types of flame retardants from children’s pajamas.

Some chemicals under study have been associated with reduced IQ, increased time to conception, endocrine and thyroid disruption, and impaired child development.

KEY GLOBAL PLAYERS

THE UNITED STATES: A. SCHULMAN, INC.

Based in Akron, Ohio, A. Schulman Inc is engaged in manufacturing and distributing high-performance plastic compounds and resins that find application in a range of end markets. The company offers proprietary and customized engineered plastic compounds, color concentrates and additives for enhancing appearance and performance of plastics in a variety of specialized applications. A. Schulman employs about 3,000 people globally in more than 30 manufacturing and support facilities spread across the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Primary markets served include industrial and automotive equipment components, construction and home improvement, film and packaging, medical, telecommunications, garden supplies, and toys, to name a few.

More information can be found in the report “Flame Retardant Chemicals – A Global Market Overview” by Industry Experts.

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