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A flame-retardant polycarbonate sheet is a type of plastic sheet that is made of polycarbonate (PC) resin with added flame retardant additives to improve its fire resistance Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic polymer that has high transparency, impact strength, and heat resistance, but it also burns rapidly with severe melt dripping and releases toxic gases and smoke when exposed to fire.
Flame retardant additives can be classified into halogen-based and halogen-free types. Halogen-based flame retardants are effective in reducing the flammability of PC, but they also pose environmental and health risks due to their bioaccumulation and toxicity Halogen-free flame retardants are more environmentally friendly and safer, but they may affect the mechanical and optical properties of PC.
Some examples of halogen-free flame retardant additives for PC are sulfonate-based compounds, silicon-based compounds, and phosphorus-based compounds These additives can work in the gas phase or the condensed phase to inhibit the combustion process of PC by capturing radicals, promoting char formation, forming protective layers, or reducing heat transfer.
Flame-retardant polycarbonate sheets can be prepared by various methods such as extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, or thermoforming They can be used for various applications that require fire safety and high performance, such as wall panels, luggage racks, electronic devices, lighting fixtures, and signage.
Flame-retardant polycarbonate sheets work by slowing down or preventing the combustion process of polycarbonate resin when exposed to fire. They do this by incorporating flame retardant additives that interfere with the chemical reactions of fire in the gas phase or the condensed phase.
In the gas phase, flame retardant additives can release flame-inhibiting substances such as phosphorus-oxygen radicals, water vapor, or nitrogen gas that can capture the hydrogen and hydroxyl radicals generated by the combustion of polycarbonate. This reduces the chain propagation of the fire and lowers the flame temperature and oxygen concentration.
In the condensed phase, flame retardant additives can promote the formation of a char layer on the surface of polycarbonate that acts as a physical barrier to prevent heat transfer, oxygen diffusion, and fuel volatilization.
The char layer can also reflect heat radiation and enhance the thermal stability of polycarbonate. Some flame retardant additives can also migrate to the surface of polycarbonate and form a protective layer of metal oxides, carbonates, or silicates that can further improve the flame resistance.
The Global Flame-retardant polycarbonate sheet market accounted for $XX Billion in 2022 and is anticipated to reach $XX Billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of XX% from 2024 to 2030.
LEXAN™ is a brand name for a type of polycarbonate resin thermoplastic that is manufactured and marketed by SABIC (formerly by General Electric) Polycarbonate is a polymer that has high transparency, impact strength, and heat resistance, but also burns rapidly with severe melt dripping and releases toxic gases and smoke when exposed to fire.
LEXAN™ can be mixed with flame retardant additives to improve its fire resistance and comply with various standards such as UL94, EN 45545-2, or FAR 25.853 LEXAN™ can also be modified with other additives or coatings to enhance its properties such as scratch resistance, UV resistance, or color.
LEXAN™ can be processed by various methods such as extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, or thermoforming It can be used for various applications that require high performance and fire safety, such as lighting fixtures, electro technical components, building and construction materials, data storage devices, automotive parts, aircraft components, and security glazing.
SABIC, which offers LEXAN™ Flame Retardant Sheet (9034V) that combines formability with excellent flame-retardant properties. It is UL94-V0 rated as of 2 mm thickness and complies with EN 45545-2 and FAR 25.853 standards.
Covestro AG, which produces Makrolon® FR Solid flame retardant polycarbonate sheets that have excellent fire ratings, high impact strength, and good optical clarity. They are suitable for various applications such as lighting fixtures, electro technical components, and building and construction.
A&C Plastics, which provides Tuffak® flame retardant polycarbonate sheets that are self-extinguishing and have a UL 94 V-0 rating at .220″ thickness. They are available in clear and custom colors and can be used for machine guards, enclosures, and glazing applications.
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Flame Retardants Associates Inc., which offers various methods of creating flame retardant polycarbonate, such as using halogenated additives, phosphorus compounds, silicones, sulfonates, or nanocomposites. They also provide testing and consulting services for flame retardant applications4.
Exolon Group, which manufactures solid polycarbonate sheets with flame retardant properties under the brand names Axpet® FR and Vivak® FR. They are certified according to EN 13501-1 and UL 94 standards and can be used for indo.
