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1.3.7 Flame-retardants
[6, Ullmann, 2001, 24, EFRA, 2003]
Chapter 1
Flame retarded materials are modified or treated to be more resistant to ignition than non-flame
retarded materials, or to have slower rates of flame spread in a major fire that is initiated by
some other source; however, the flame retarded article will still ultimately burn.
Organic flame-retardants are often brominated compounds. The HBr from their decomposition
is very effective in deactivating free radicals in the vapour phase. The formation of new radicals
is also reduced as less heat is generated, and the entire combustion process is slowed.
Chlorinated compounds function in the same manner. In practice, often twice as much
compound containing chlorine is required as compound containing bromine. The difference
approaches the atomic mass ratio for the two halogens, i.e. 79.90: 35.45 = 2.25. Figure 1.16
gives some examples.
Br
Br
Figure 1.16: Examples of some flame-retardants
Br
Br
Cl
Br
Br
Br
Br
Br
(a) (b) (c)
(a) Pentabromo chloro cyclohexane
(b) Tetrabromo phthalic anhydride
(c) Hexabromo benzene
In 2001, the market value of brominated flame-retardant compounds was EUR 864 million
(USD 774 million), related to a worldwide consumption of 774000 tonnes. Figure 1.17 and
Figure 1.18 show the world market share and the market composition, respectively.
Other Asia
37 %
Japan
20 %
OFC_BREF Dezember 2005 15
O
O
O
Br
Br
US
25 %
Br
Br
Br
Br
Western Europe
18 %
Figure 1.17: World market for brominated flame-retardant compounds by region