ELASTOMERS AND PLASTICS It takes two to Tango: Industrial Benchmark PU-Foams with expandable Graphite/P-Flame Retardant Combinations

Polyurethane foams (PUF) are generally flammable, so they are limited in some applications due to strict fire safety requirements. In this study, three distinct industrial benchmark polyurethane foams containing synergistic combinations of expandable graphite (EG) and phosphorous flame retardants (P-FR) were investigated one by one for their fire performance and smoke behavior.

Flame retardancy mechanisms and thus flame-retardant modes of action and efficiency are usually quite specific, due to the distinct reactions between flame retardant, additives, fillers, adjuvants, and polymeric material. Considering the application of the product, like furniture, building material, materials used in transportation, or electrical engineering, flame retardancy is also specific with respect to the desired protection goal, fire scenario, and characteristic test specimen. Preventing the ignition of housings in electrical engineering demands for different approaches than reducing the flame spread of a flooring.