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Flame Retardant (FR) Masterbatch

Flame Retardant (FR) Masterbatch

Polymer Protection Technology Fully Compliant with International Fire Safety Standards (UL94 & Glow Wire)

Colorex Flame Retardant (FR) Masterbatches are high-performance functional additives developed to prevent thermoplastic materials from igniting easily, to cut the rate of flame spread in the event of a fire and to make the plastic self-extinguish once the heat source is removed.

Because polyolefins (PP, PE) and styrenic plastics have a hydrocarbon structure by nature, they ignite quickly and, while burning, produce flaming drips that cause the fire to grow. The Colorex Flame Retardant Masterbatch family offers both highly efficient halogenated (bromine/antimony synergy) and low-smoke halogen-free (HFFR - phosphorus/nitrogen/intumescent system) formulation options that are sensitive to the environment and human health. Working simultaneously in the solid and gas phases, this mechanism forms a protective carbon (char) layer on the burning surface, cutting off oxygen contact with the polymer and stopping the combustion reaction.

Key Advantages and Technical Features

  • UL94 and Glow Wire (GWFI / GWIT) ComplianceDepending on the application and dosage, it successfully meets the UL94 (V-0, V-1, V-2) and IEC 60695-2 Glow Wire (750°C – 960°C) test standards.
  • Prevention of Flaming Drips (Anti-Dripping)Prevents molten plastic from flowing as flaming drips during combustion and igniting the materials below.
  • Halogen-Free (HFFR) and Low-Smoke OptionsOffers RoHS / REACH compliant solutions that do not release toxic gases or dense black smoke, for enclosed spaces, public transport, home appliances and cable applications.
  • Mechanical and Electrical ProtectionUnlike powder flame retardants, it disperses perfectly within the polymer matrix and preserves the impact strength and dielectric (insulation) resistance of the product.

Recommended Dosage

  • UL94 V-2 level: 4.0% - 8.0%
  • UL94 V-0 or HFFR applications: 12.0% - 25.0%

Applications and Effects on the Final Product

Applications / Application Areas

  • Electrical sockets, junction boxes, fuse boxes and cable trunking
  • Home appliance PCB housings, motor covers and connectors
  • Plastic interior components for automotive, public transport and rail systems
  • Building and construction insulation boards, roofing membranes, corrugated and mining pipes
  • Stadium seats, trade fair/event tarpaulins and halogen-free (HFFR) cables

Affected Properties / Effects on the Final Product

  • UL94 (V-0, V-1, V-2) flammability standard: Stops the flame from spreading over the plastic and makes it self-extinguish within seconds once the heat source is removed.
  • Glow Wire (GWFI/GWIT) resistance: Prevents ignition on contact with an electrical contact/glowing wire at 750°C – 960°C.
  • Flaming drip control (anti-dripping): Prevents burning plastic from melting and dripping and igniting the materials below.
  • Smoke density and gas safety: With halogen-free (HFFR) options, it minimizes the release of toxic/corrosive gases and dense black smoke in the event of a fire.
  • Electrical insulation (dielectric resistance): Preserves the high-voltage and arc resistance of the part.

Effect on the Process and Production Line

  • Thanks to its pellet form, it completely eliminates the dusting, dosing errors and occupational health risks created by powder FR additives.
  • Thanks to its special thermal stabilizer package, it does not cause mold corrosion or plate-out at the recommended processing temperatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most frequently asked questions about flame retardant (FR) masterbatch and their answers. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please contact our team.

Does Flame Retardant (FR) Masterbatch make plastic completely non-flammable?
No organic plastic is completely "non-flammable" under unlimited heat; the role of Flame Retardant Masterbatch is to raise the ignition temperature of the plastic, prevent the flame from spreading once it ignites and make the plastic self-extinguish the moment the flame source is removed.
What do the UL94 V-0, V-1 and V-2 classifications mean?
UL94 is the global standard that measures the vertical burning behavior of plastics. In the V-2 class, the plastic extinguishes within 30 seconds but may produce flaming drips. In the V-1 class, it extinguishes within 30 seconds without flaming drips. In the highest level, the V-0 class, the plastic extinguishes completely within 10 seconds after the flame is removed, without any flaming drips.
What is the difference between halogenated and halogen-free (HFFR) flame retardants?
Halogenated FR masterbatches provide very high flame retardancy even at low dosages and offer a cost advantage. Halogen-free (HFFR - Halogen Free Flame Retardant) products, on the other hand, do not release corrosive gases or dense black smoke during combustion; they are preferred especially in enclosed spaces, home appliances, automotive and European export projects.
What is the Glow Wire Test (GWFI / GWIT)?
It is a test applied especially to electrical sockets, junction boxes and home appliance connectors. It measures whether the material ignites when an overheated wire from an electrical contact (650°C, 750°C, 850°C or 960°C) touches the plastic. Colorex FR Masterbatch solutions fully comply with these standards.
What is the recommended let-down ratio (dosage)?
The let-down ratio varies according to the base polymer (PP, PE, PS, ABS), the wall thickness of the part and the target flammability class (V-2 or V-0). For the V-2 level, 4–8% is generally sufficient, while V-0 or HFFR applications are dosed in the range of 12–25%.
Does the wall thickness of the part affect flame retardant performance?
Yes, directly. As a plastic part gets thinner (for example 1.6 mm or 0.8 mm instead of 3.2 mm), it melts faster with heat, so the FR masterbatch let-down ratio must be increased to achieve the same UL94 class.
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