As one of the leading manufacturers of phosphorus chemicals, LANXESS’s Rhein Chemie Additives (ADD) business unit is constantly expanding its extensive portfolio with the development of innovative flame retardants. The focus is on halogen-free products based on phosphorus. The demand for halogen-free flame retardants is driven in particular by fire safety standards for buildings and the automotive and electronic sector.

Levagard TP LXS 51114 – low-emission flame retardant for flexible PU foams and biopolymers

The innovative flame retardant Levagard TP LXS 51114 is characterized by low emissions (fogging) and low scorch. It is highly suitable among other things for use in polyether and polyester based flexible polyurethane (PU) foams. PU foams containing the new product can meet the strict VDA 278 standard for the characterization of non-metallic materials in vehicles with respect to volatile (VOC) and condensable (FOG) emissions. At the same time, the new type of product can be used in the automotive industry as it does not contain any raw materials or impurities listed in the GADSL list (Global Automotive Declarable Substance List, Version 1.1, March 14, 2016). Thus LANXESS’s low-emission additive makes a key contribution to achieving high standards in automotive interiors, for example.

LANXESS is addressing not only the trend toward halogen-free low-emission products with Levagard TP LXS 51114 but also the move towards the use of biopolymers in highly technical applications such as components and housings for the electronic industry. These have to be supplemented with corresponding additives. Levagard TP LXS 51114 can be used as a flame-retardant plasticizer in cellulose derivatives, particularly cellulose triacetate (CTA). Here, the innovative additive is used, for example, in the manufacture of notebook displays, LCD screens and electronic housings in which a fire classification of UL 94 V.0 needs to be achieved.

Disflamoll 51092 – the cost-effective low-odor solution for a wide variety of applications

Another product that LANXESS will be presenting at K 2016 is Disflamoll 51092, a halogen-free phosphate ester. The product that combines plasticizing and flame retardant properties has a low odor and can be used in many plastics (plasticized PVC, flexible PU foams, TPU, PC-ABS and NBR-PVC blends). Applications range from coated textile fibers, tarpaulins, cables, E&E housings, furniture and automotive interiors to thermos insulated hoses.

In ester-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) applications such as cables, Disflamoll 51092 can also be combined with powerful Stabaxol hydrolysis stabilizers from LANXESS. The service life of material can significantly be extended by adding Stabaxol as a stabilizer to the polymer.