Clariant builds commercial plant for Exolit(R) OP range
Laying the foundation stone for a plant to produce new, high performance flame retardants
A new, leading edge class of flame retardants will be produced on a commercial scale: on March 31, 2003, the foundation stone will be laid for an Exolit® OP production plant at the Clariant site in Knapsack, near Cologne, Germany. The flame retardant is non-halogenated and highly effective and was specially developed for use in glass-fibre reinforced thermoplastics. It satisfies important fire classifications and electrical standards as well as toxicological and ecological requirements. The new plant includes a reaction unit as well as packaging and storage facilities. The plant, which is scheduled to start operation at the end of 2004, is designed to produce several thousand metric tons per year. Clariant is investing several 10 million Euros in this plant. Another beneficial effect of the new facility is that it maintains a large number of jobs and even created 20 new jobs.
The Exolit® OP range: new products set new standards
Exolit® OP is a non-halogenated flame retardant based on a metal phosphinate. It combines the high effectiveness of organophosphorus compounds with the advantageous properties of mineral flame retardants.
Even at small dosages, the innovative additive is highly effective. It satisfies fire classifications such as UL 94 V0 or GWFI 960°C (Glow Wire Flammability Index) as well as important electrical standards, such as a CTI of 600 V. Its outstanding features also comply with the requirements of the recently published European Directive on Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). As a result, Exolit® OP is not subject to restrictions or special requirements, unlike other standard products on the market.
At the same time, the mechanical properties are only slightly affected, compared with those of the base polymer. Exolit® OP is colorless so that color formulations are unaffected. Exolit® OP also allows the production of non-halogenated printed circuit boards based on epoxy systems. In addition, its heat resistance permits lead-free soldering.
The additive is recommended for use in the electrical and electronics sectors where fire regulations are particularly demanding. Typical applications are in components for household appliances, computers and IT equipment as well as in aircraft and other means of transportation.
Exolit® – a range of products for the future
Most plastics are easily ignited. In a fire, they quickly release large amounts of heat and smoke. The risk of fire is particularly high when potential ignition sources are located nearby. For example, electrical appliances and systems or electronic components which generate a high current density in a very small area, are especially at risk of catching fire through short circuiting or overheating. This is why official and industrial regulations require the highest degree of preventive fire protection. Flame retardants are commonly used in these applications.
When very high levels of flame retardancy are required, mineral additives often reach their limit, because they have to be added in high concentrations, which impair the mechanical properties of the plastic.
Special non-halogenated flame retardants based on phosphorus compounds, such as Clariant's Exolit® series, offer the necessary effectiveness while meeting ecological criteria as well. Phosphorus compounds are active in the solid phase and therefore show significant advantages: low smoke density and no build-up of additional corrosive gases. A dense protective layer partly formed by foaming results in a low rate of heat release.
Exolit® OP is an innovative class of flame retardants, which sets a new standard for preventive fire protection.
Clariant GmbH
In Knapsack, 500 employees produce specialty chemicals for the Swiss chemical company Clariant GmbH. Here, a wide range of Clariant products is manufactured in six facilities. Products include color pigments, halogen-free flame retardants, phosphorus-free raw materials for detergents, and airport runway de-icing agents. The site also includes Clariant's own R&D facility.