Flame-Retardant PP Compounds

A portfolio of flame-retardant polypropylene (FR PP) compounds is now available and comprised of three distinct families from Sirmax North America (Anderson, Indiana), a global supplier of PP compounds, engineering polymers, postconsumer recycled compounds and biopolymers for a broad range of industries. The multifamily line of halogen-free FR PP materials carry UL Yellow Card certification and are available in a range of colors for electrical/electronics applications. The company can also customize FR products to meet specific application requirements.

Sirmax reports strong demand for its FR PP compounds in the U.S. as end users and processors move increasingly to nonhalogenated alternatives. In addition, Sirmax sees growing business opportunities in the U.S. due to disinvestment by at least one main competitive producer of FR PP compounds. The three product families are:

• Dafnelen family of homopolymer and copolymer FR PP compounds that are unfilled. They exhibit strong mechanical and electrical properties, with a UL flame-retardant rating of V0 at 0.8 mm and 5VA at 1.6 mm. Dafnelen grades carry a UL Yellow Card certification and are available in a range of colors.
• Dafneglass family of glass-reinforced FR PP materials with strong thermal, impact and stiffness properties, while meeting the standards of the automotive and household appliance industries. Dafneglass grades have a UL V0 rating at a test thickness of 0.8-mm. They come in glass loadings of 10-30% and are available in a range of colors.
• Isoplen family of unfilled FR PP compounds has a UL V2 rating at 1.5-mm thickness. It is also available in all colors and targeted for less demanding end-use requirements.

The company says it is working closely with end users and processors on a range of applications, including meter sockets, sensor housings, connectors, power tools, electrical housings and appliance devices.