FIREBRAKE APPLICATION AND BENEFITS
Firebrake ZB
Firebrake ZB is used as a flame retardant, char promoter, afterglow and smoke suppressant, and anti-arc agent in polymer systems, including:
- Polyvinyl chloride
- Nylon
- Epoxy
- Polyethylene
- Polypropylene
- Polyesters
- Elastomers
Depending on the base polymer that you use and the fire protection standards that need to be met, you can use Firebrake ZB to partially or completely replace other fire-retardant additives such as antimony oxide. (In some systems, Firebrake ZB displays synergism with antimony oxide.) In halogen-containing systems, use three to 25 parts of Firebrake ZB per 100 parts of resin (phr). In halogen-free systems, the recommended level is in the range of 10 to 250 phr, normally used in conjunction with alumina trihydrate, magnesium hydroxide, or a silicone polymer. (Examples of starting point formulations are available upon request.)
For situations that demand maximum fire-test performance as well as film forming and adhesion, Firebrake ZB is available in fine and extra-fine formulations. The extra-fine grade has no particles greater than 12 microns (as determined by laser diffraction) and is suitable for more critical flame retardant applications.
Firebrake 500
Firebrake 500 is an anhydrous form of Firebrake ZB that is specially designed for applications in which no water evolution is permitted. You can use Firebrake 500 as a flame retardant, char promoter, and smoke suppressant in a variety of polymers, including:
- High temperature polyamides (PPA) and polyamide 6.6
- Polyetherketones
- Polysulfones
- Fluoropolymers
- Polyesters
Firebrake 500 has a significant beneficial effect on the rate of heat release, a quality that is of special interest in aircraft applications. It can also function as a corrosion inhibitor in polymer processing.