Technologies related to flame retardants are continuously evolving to enhance flame-retardant efficiency, minimize environmental impact, and meet the specific needs of various materials. Key technological approaches can be categorized as follows:
Core Flame-Retardant Mechanism Technologies
Endothermic Cooling Technology
This technology utilizes inorganic flame retardants-such as aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide-that absorb significant heat upon thermal decomposition. This rapidly lowers the material's surface temperature, thereby extinguishing the combustion process. These technologies are highly eco-friendly, as they do not release toxic smoke.
Char-Forming and Oxygen-Blocking Technology
Upon heating, phosphorus-based and intumescent flame retardants form a dense, porous char layer on the material's surface. Acting like fire-resistant armor, this layer blocks oxygen and heat, prevents the outward diffusion of combustible gases, and significantly slows the spread of flames.
Free Radical Scavenging Technology
When heated, halogen-based flame retardants release halogen free radicals. These radicals capture highly reactive hydroxyl radicals involved in the combustion reaction, effectively breaking the combustion chain reaction. This serves as a core technology for traditional, high-efficiency flame retardants.
Inert Gas Dilution Technology
Nitrogen-based flame retardants release non-combustible gases-such as NH₃ and N₂-when heated. These gases dilute the concentration of oxygen and combustible gases in the combustion zone, thereby inhibiting the combustion process within the gas phase.
