The Flame Retarding and Smoke Suppression of Flexible PVC
The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the various technologies used to flame retard and smoke suppress PVC. It gives guidelines on how to formulate PVC using these additives and also discusses the effects these additives have on the physical properties, heat stability and processibility of PVC compounds using them. It is impossible to discuss every aspect of the flame retarding and smoke suppressing of PVC in a paper designed to be presented in a 30-minute talk. However, this paper offers both beginning and experienced formulators useful information in this area.
Flame retardants and smoke suppressants for flexible vinyl compounds
This paper reviews a number of technologies employed to reduce flammability and suppress smoke in flexible vinyl compounds. Advantages and disadvantages of the various systems are discussed, along with postulated mechanisms of action. Typical applications, approximate market prices, and major suppliers are also listed.
Smoke suppressants for plasticized poly(vinyl chloride)
Addition of plasticizers to poly(vinyl chloride) generally increases its flammability and frequently increases smoke production during its burning. Flame retardants added to plasticized PVC can reduce flammability, but increase smoke production. This study shows that proper choice of combined use of other polymers, phosphate plasticizers, fillers and other flame retardants, produces measured synergistic improvements in flame retardance and smoke suppression which could benefit applications such as PVC wire and cable insulation.