Description
The protection of the human body is essential in situations of risk, heat or flames. With this in mind, Flame Retardants (FR) have for decades been applied to impart fire-proofing properties to textiles. Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) have been used commercially for several decades to fire-proof plastics, textiles and electronics. However, environmental concern related to the use of BFRs has been growing in recent years since some BFRs have shown to be persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic, and to undergo long-range atmospheric transport. The main aim of this project is to provide eco-designed flame retardants (bromine-free, formaldehyde-free, antimony-free). The research lines that Color Center, S.A., want to perform in this project are related to the implementation of (nano)materials and eco-friendly raw materials in flame retardant formulations in order to improve public safety and environmental impact.
Summary of project results
Brominated flame retardants have been used commercially for several decades to fire-proof plastics, textiles and electronics. Environmental concern related to the use of BFRs has been growing in recent years since some BFRs have shown to be PBT and undergo long-range atmospheric transport. While there have been important advances in the development of flame retardant materials, there is much to be done in the direction of improving toxic emissions, eco-design and safety. The main milestones of this project consist on providing eco-designed flame retardants for textile industry (halogen-free, formaldehyde-free, antimony-free) with low migration and low release of toxic gases, corrosive by-products or smoke during fire. In addition, improved End-product’s recycling properties have also been considered. All the objectives have been appropriately met and Color Center is able to offer ECO-designed FR for cellulosic fibers, back-coating applications and customized (nano)materials based FR.
Summary of bilateral results