FR Raw Material: A Key Force in Safeguarding Safety and Promoting Industrial Upgrading

Against the backdrop of growing demands for fire safety and increasingly stringent material safety standards across various industries, Flame-Retardant (FR) Raw Materials have gradually come into the spotlight. They play a crucial role in ensuring safety in production and daily life, as well as driving the high-quality development of related industries. But why have FR Raw Materials attracted so much attention in the current market? What new breakthroughs have been made in their technological research and development? How do they impact upstream and downstream enterprises in the industrial chain? What are their core functions? What key points should enterprises pay attention to when purchasing and using them? What typical application cases are there in practice? How to scientifically determine whether FR Raw Materials meet standards? What categories can they be divided into, and what differences exist in the performance parameters of different categories? This article will delve into these questions to provide a comprehensive analysis of the value and characteristics of FR Raw Materials.

Market Demand Continues to Rise: Why Have FR Raw Materials Become a "Hot Commodity"?

In recent years, with the rapid development of industries such as construction, electronics and electrical appliances, and transportation, the prevention of fire safety accidents has become a focus of social attention. From fire protection material requirements for high-rise buildings to flame-retardant standards for internal components of electronic products, and safety specifications for automotive interior materials, the application scenarios of FR Raw Materials have been continuously expanding. According to relevant market research data, the global market size of FR Raw Materials has maintained an average annual growth rate of over 8% in the past five years, and is expected to continue its high-speed growth in the next few years.

Why have FR Raw Materials achieved such strong market demand? On one hand, the increasing emphasis on fire safety has led to more explicit requirements for the flame-retardant performance of materials in relevant fields, providing strong support for the FR Raw Materials market. On the other hand, the enhanced safety awareness of consumers has made enterprises pay more attention to material safety during production, and proactively choose FR Raw Materials to improve product competitiveness. Take the electronics and electrical appliances industry as an example: when purchasing products such as mobile phones and computers, consumers not only focus on performance and appearance but also put forward higher requirements for the fire safety performance of products. This has prompted electronics and electrical appliances enterprises to increase their procurement of FR Raw Materials. In addition, the rise of emerging industries has further driven demand. For instance, in the new energy energy storage sector, due to the long-term high-load operation of energy storage equipment, there are extremely high requirements for the flame-retardant performance of materials, making FR Raw Materials a core material category in this field.

Diverse Product Categories: What Are the Main Types of FR Raw Materials?

FR Raw Materials are not a single category but include a variety of materials. Different types of products vary in composition and characteristics, making them suitable for different scenarios. So, based on core components and application characteristics, what are the main categories of FR Raw Materials?

From the perspective of core flame-retardant components, FR Raw Materials can be divided into two major categories: halogen-containing flame-retardant raw materials and halogen-free flame-retardant raw materials. Halogen-containing flame-retardant raw materials use halogen compounds such as chlorine and bromine as the main flame-retardant components. Their advantages lie in high flame-retardant efficiency and low addition amount, which can achieve good flame-retardant effects with a relatively low proportion of addition, and have little impact on the mechanical properties of the base material. They are often used in packaging materials for electronic components that require high flame-retardant efficiency. However, they also have obvious shortcomings: they may release toxic gases such as hydrogen halides during combustion, which pose potential risks to the environment and human health. Therefore, their application is restricted in fields with high environmental requirements.

Halogen-free flame-retardant raw materials use phosphorus-based, nitrogen-based, and inorganic hydroxide compounds as the main flame-retardant components. Among them, inorganic hydroxide-based (such as magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide) halogen-free flame-retardant raw materials have become a fast-growing category in the market in recent years due to their low-smoke, low-toxicity, and environmentally friendly characteristics, and are widely used in construction materials and wire and cable fields. Phosphorus-based halogen-free flame-retardant raw materials have both flame-retardant and plasticizing properties, which can improve the flame-retardant performance of materials while enhancing their processing properties, making them suitable for the modification of polymer materials such as plastics and rubber. Nitrogen-based halogen-free flame-retardant raw materials achieve flame-retardant effects by releasing inert gases to dilute oxygen during thermal decomposition. They are often used in combination with other flame-retardant components to improve overall flame-retardant performance, and are mostly applied in materials such as foam plastics and textiles.

In addition, according to their form, FR Raw Materials can also be divided into powder, granular, and liquid types. Powdered FR Raw Materials are easy to mix with other powder materials, making them suitable for products such as coatings and adhesives. Granular FR Raw Materials have good fluidity and are easy for automatic metering and transportation, so they are widely used in processing technologies such as plastic extrusion and injection molding. Liquid FR Raw Materials have good dispersibility and easy penetration, and are often used in flame-retardant finishing of textiles and flame-retardant treatment of wood.

Significant Differences in Performance Parameters: What Are the Differences in Key Indicators of FR Raw Materials?

Different types of FR Raw Materials have obvious differences in performance parameters, which directly determine the application scenarios and use effects of the materials. So, what are the key performance parameters of FR Raw Materials, and what differences exist in these parameters among different categories of products?

To clearly present the performance differences among different types of FR Raw Materials, the following table compares the core performance parameters of halogen-containing flame-retardant raw materials, inorganic hydroxide-based halogen-free flame-retardant raw materials, and phosphorus-based halogen-free flame-retardant raw materials:

It can be seen from the table data that halogen-containing flame-retardant raw materials perform well in terms of flame-retardant efficiency (oxygen index, burning rating) and impact on mechanical properties, but have shortcomings in smoke density and environmental friendliness. Inorganic hydroxide-based halogen-free flame-retardant raw materials have the lowest smoke density and the best environmental friendliness, but require a higher addition amount, which has a greater impact on mechanical properties and heat distortion temperature. Phosphorus-based halogen-free flame-retardant raw materials achieve a good balance between flame-retardant performance, impact on mechanical properties, and thermal stability, making them a balanced choice that takes both safety and practicality into account.

Continuous Breakthroughs in Technological R&D: How Do FR Raw Materials Balance Safety and Performance?

Driven by market demand, continuous breakthroughs have been made in the technological research and development of FR Raw Materials. Traditional FR Raw Materials, while having flame-retardant performance, often have problems such as poor mechanical properties, high processing difficulty, and insufficient environmental friendliness, making them unable to meet the multi-functional and high-quality requirements of modern industries for materials. So, how does the current R&D of FR Raw Materials overcome these problems and achieve a balance between safety and performance?

First of all, in terms of raw material selection, researchers are increasingly inclined to use environmentally friendly and low-toxic flame retardants to replace traditional halogen-containing flame retardants, so as to reduce the harm of materials to the environment and human health during production, use, and disposal. For example, inorganic hydroxides such as magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide, which are halogen-free flame retardants, not only have good flame-retardant effects but also possess low-smoke and low-toxicity characteristics, and have been widely used in fields such as wires and cables and plastic construction materials. At the same time, to address the problem of reduced mechanical properties caused by the high addition amount of halogen-free flame retardants, researchers have carried out surface modification of flame retardants. For instance, magnesium hydroxide particles are coated with silane coupling agents or titanate coupling agents to improve their compatibility with the base material and reduce agglomeration. With the same addition amount, the tensile strength of the material can be increased by 10% - 15%, and the impact strength by 15% - 20%.

Secondly, through the innovation of modification technologies, the comprehensive performance of FR Raw Materials has been improved. Researchers use modification methods such as blending, compounding, and grafting to effectively combine flame retardants with the base material, ensuring the flame-retardant performance of the material while enhancing its mechanical strength, heat resistance, and aging resistance. For example, adding an appropriate amount of nano-scale flame retardants to plastics and using special dispersion technologies to evenly disperse the flame retardants in the plastic matrix can not only significantly improve the flame-retardant performance of the plastic but also enhance its impact strength and tensile strength. Taking polyethylene materials as an example, adding 5% nano-scale magnesium hydroxide and using ultrasonic dispersion technology can increase the oxygen index of the material from 17% to 28%, the tensile strength from 20MPa to 23MPa, and the impact strength from 4kJ/m² to 5.5kJ/m². In addition, combining flame retardants with reinforcing materials (such as glass fibers and carbon fibers) can also improve the flame-retardant performance while enhancing the mechanical properties of the material. For example, adding 15% phosphorus-based flame retardants and 20% glass fibers to epoxy resin can make the vertical burning rating of the material reach V-0, the tensile strength increase from 50MPa to 80MPa, and the flexural strength from 80MPa to 120MPa.

In addition, intelligent technologies have begun to be integrated into the R&D process of FR Raw Materials. Through computer simulation, big data analysis, and other means, flame-retardant formulas and production processes are optimized, the R&D cycle is shortened, R&D costs are reduced, and the stability and reliability of products are improved. For example, molecular simulation technology is used to predict the interaction between different flame retardants and the base material, and screen out the optimal type and addition ratio of flame retardants, avoiding the time and cost waste caused by the traditional trial-and-error method. Through big data analysis of the impact of different production process parameters (such as mixing temperature, mixing time, and extrusion speed) on material performance, a correlation model between process parameters and product performance is established to achieve precise control of the production process, reducing the fluctuation range of product performance by 10% - 15%.

Prominent Core Value: What Are the Key Functions of FR Raw Materials?

As important materials for ensuring safety, FR Raw Materials play an irreplaceable role in the application of various industries. So, from the perspective of practical application scenarios, what are the specific key functions of FR Raw Materials?

From the perspective of safety protection, the core function of FR Raw Materials is to delay or prevent the spread of flames, and gain valuable time for personnel evacuation and property protection. In the event of a fire, ordinary materials may burn rapidly and release a large amount of toxic smoke. However, products added with FR Raw Materials can form a flame-retardant layer in a high-temperature environment, inhibit the combustion reaction, and at the same time reduce the generation of toxic gases and smoke, thereby reducing the harm of fire to the human body. For example, FR Raw Materials used in the construction field can effectively prevent the spread of fire in walls, ceilings, and other parts, providing more time for personnel evacuation in buildings. FR Raw Material components in the electronics and electrical appliances field can prevent the spread of flames caused by short circuits, and avoid equipment damage or even larger-scale fires. In a simulated building fire test, the room using ordinary materials was fully engulfed by fire within 3 minutes, and the concentration of toxic gases in the air exceeded the safety limit by 10 times. In contrast, the room using FR Raw Material construction materials only had local carbonization near the fire source within 10 minutes, without large-scale combustion, and the concentration of toxic gases was only 1.5 times the safety limit. This fully demonstrates the safety protection function of FR Raw Materials.

From the perspective of industrial adaptation, FR Raw Materials can also help industries meet diverse usage needs. Different industries have different performance requirements for materials. For example, the automotive industry requires materials to have both flame-retardant and lightweight properties, while the electronics industry requires materials to have both flame-retardant and insulating properties. Through formula adjustment and technical optimization, FR Raw Materials can adapt to the special needs of different industries and provide basic support for industrial product upgrading. For example, in response to the requirements for high-temperature resistance and aging resistance of materials in the new energy field, FR Raw Materials can be modified to maintain their flame-retardant performance while improving their temperature resistance range and service life, so as to meet the long-term use needs of new energy products. A new energy battery enterprise used modified FR Raw Materials in the battery pack shell material, which increased the temperature resistance range of the material from 80℃ to 150℃ and extended the service life from 3 years to 5 years, while maintaining the vertical burning rating of V-0. This effectively solved the problem of easy aging and decreased flame-retardant performance of traditional materials in high-temperature environments.

From the perspective of environmental sustainability, the R&D of new FR Raw Materials has also promoted the green development of industries. Traditional halogen-containing flame-retardant raw materials are difficult to degrade after disposal and release toxic gases during combustion, causing pollution to the environment. In contrast, halogen-free and environmentally friendly FR Raw Materials not only produce low smoke and low toxicity during use but also can be recycled or naturally degraded after disposal to reduce environmental burden. For example, an enterprise developed degradable FR Raw Materials, which can achieve a degradation rate of more than 60% in the natural environment within 1 - 2 years, and the degradation products are non-toxic. They can be used in fields such as agricultural mulch films and packaging materials, which not only meet the flame-retardant requirements but also conform to the concept of environmental sustainability.

Collaborative Development of the Industrial Chain: How Do FR Raw Materials Empower Upstream and Downstream Enterprises?

As a key link in the industrial chain, the development of FR Raw Materials not only affects the industry itself but also plays an important role in driving the development of upstream and downstream enterprises. So, how do FR Raw Materials empower upstream and downstream enterprises and promote the collaborative development of the entire industrial chain?

For upstream flame retardant manufacturers, the expansion of the FR Raw Materials market has driven the growth of demand for flame retardants, providing them with a broader development space. At the same time, the increasing requirements for the performance of flame retardants in FR Raw Materials have also prompted flame retardant manufacturers to increase R&D investment, develop more high-performance and environmentally friendly flame retardant products, and promote the technological upgrading of the flame retardant industry. For example, some flame retardant manufacturers have developed high-temperature resistant and low-volatility flame retardants in response to the application needs of FR Raw Materials in the electronics and electrical appliances field, meeting the requirements of electronic products in high-temperature environments. A flame retardant enterprise developed a new type of phosphorus-nitrogen synergistic flame retardant, which increased the thermal decomposition temperature (5% weight loss) of the flame retardant from 320℃ to 380℃ and reduced the volatile content from 2% to 0.5%. This not only met the high-performance requirements of FR Raw Materials in the electronics and electrical appliances field but also increased the enterprise's market share by 15% - 20%.

For midstream FR Raw Material manufacturers, the diversification of market demand and technological progress have driven them to continuously optimize product structures and improve production efficiency. On one hand, by introducing automated production lines, they have realized the precise proportioning and continuous production of raw materials, reducing the product production cycle by 20% - 30% and improving the stability of product performance by 10% - 15%. On the other hand, by establishing collaborative R&D mechanisms with upstream and downstream enterprises, they can quickly respond to market demands and develop customized products. For example, a FR Raw Material manufacturer cooperated with downstream automotive interior enterprises to develop low-density (density reduced to below 1.0g/cm³) and low-volatility (volatile content below 0.3%) FR Raw Materials in response to the needs for lightweight and low-odor automotive interior materials. This not only met the needs of automotive enterprises but also increased the gross profit margin of the product by 5% - 8%.

For downstream application enterprises, high-quality FR Raw Materials provide a guarantee for improving product quality and enhancing market competitiveness. Taking the automotive industry as an example, automotive interior parts (such as seat fabrics and instrument panel housings) produced using FR Raw Materials can not only effectively delay the spread of fire in the event of a fire accident, gaining more escape time for passengers, but also reduce the generation of toxic smoke, minimizing harm to passengers. This enables automotive enterprises to better meet consumers' demands for vehicle safety performance, enhance brand image, and expand market share. After adopting new FR Raw Materials, an automotive enterprise saw its automotive interior parts achieve international leading flame-retardant performance. In consumer satisfaction surveys, the safety performance score increased by 10 points (out of 100), driving a sales growth of 8% - 20% for the model. In addition, FR Raw Material manufacturers also provide technical support and solutions for downstream application enterprises, helping them solve problems encountered in the material processing process, improve production efficiency, and reduce production costs. For instance, in response to molding difficulties faced by some downstream enterprises when using FR Raw Materials, FR Raw Material manufacturers adjust the material formula and process parameters according to the specific needs of the enterprises, providing customized products and services. This helps downstream enterprises increase production efficiency by 15% - 20% and reduce the defect rate by 10% - 15%.

Avoid Risks and Ensure Efficacy: What Should Be Noted When Purchasing and Using FR Raw Materials?

When enterprises purchase and use FR Raw Materials, improper operations may affect product efficacy and even pose safety hazards. So, what key points should be paid attention to during the purchase and use of FR Raw Materials?

In the purchasing process, the first priority is to clarify the matching between the flame-retardant performance indicators of the material and the enterprise's own application scenarios. Different application scenarios have different requirements for the flame-retardant rating of FR Raw Materials. For example, materials used for building interiors and those used for electronic components differ in flame-retardant testing standards and qualified indicators. Enterprises must select FR Raw Materials that meet the corresponding indicators based on the application scenarios of their products to avoid substandard product safety performance due to mismatched indicators. For example, FR Raw Materials for building interiors usually require a vertical burning rating of V-1 or higher and an oxygen index of no less than 26%; while FR Raw Materials for electronic components require a vertical burning rating of V-0 and an oxygen index of no less than 30%. Using FR Raw Materials for buildings in electronic components may cause the components to burn in case of short circuits, leading to safety accidents. At the same time, attention should also be paid to the environmental friendliness and stability of the materials. Priority should be given to products with no peculiar smell, low volatility, and resistance to degradation during long-term use to reduce potential impacts on the environment and human health, as well as performance degradation of subsequent products during use. Enterprises can check the product inspection report to confirm whether environmental indicators such as volatile content and heavy metal content meet relevant requirements. Generally, high-quality FR Raw Materials should have a volatile content of less than 0.5% and heavy metal content (such as lead, mercury, cadmium) of less than 100ppm.

In addition, during purchasing, it is necessary to evaluate the R&D capabilities and after-sales service level of suppliers. Suppliers with strong R&D capabilities can provide customized products and technical support based on changes in market demand and the special needs of enterprises; comprehensive after-sales service can provide timely solutions when problems arise during material use, reducing losses for enterprises. Enterprises can assess the R&D strength of suppliers by understanding the size of their R&D teams, past R&D achievements (such as whether they hold patents related to flame-retardant materials), and customer cases; they can judge the quality of after-sales service by consulting existing customers and reviewing after-sales service terms (such as whether technical training is provided and the response time for quality issues). Meanwhile, it is advisable to sign a detailed procurement contract with the supplier, clarifying product quality standards, acceptance methods (such as sampling inspection ratio and inspection items), and return and exchange policies (such as the processing time limit for unqualified products and compensation methods) to avoid disputes later.

In the use process, focus should be placed on the control of processing parameters, material storage management, and the safety protection of operators. In terms of processing technology, different types of FR Raw Materials have different requirements for processing temperature, mixing time, molding pressure, and other parameters. Improper parameter settings may lead to reduced flame-retardant performance of the material, impaired mechanical properties, or abnormalities during processing. For example, excessive processing temperature may cause the decomposition of flame retardants in halogen-containing FR Raw Materials, losing their flame-retardant effect, so the processing temperature is usually controlled between 200℃ and 250℃; while inorganic hydroxide-based halogen-free FR Raw Materials require a longer mixing time due to their high addition amount to ensure sufficient mixing of flame retardants and the base material, generally 10% - 20% longer than that of ordinary materials. Enterprises must strictly set parameters in accordance with the processing guidelines provided by suppliers and conduct small-batch trials (such as making samples and testing flame-retardant performance and mechanical properties) before mass production to verify whether product performance meets standards and avoid large-scale unqualified products due to incorrect process parameters.

In terms of material storage, appropriate storage environments should be selected based on the form and characteristics of FR Raw Materials. Powdered FR Raw Materials are prone to moisture absorption and caking, so they should be stored in a dry and well-ventilated warehouse with relative humidity controlled between 50% and 60%. They should be packaged in sealed bags or barrels with desiccants placed inside. Granular FR Raw Materials should be protected from direct sunlight and high-temperature environments to prevent softening and deformation, with storage temperature recommended below 25℃ and away from heating equipment (such as heaters and boilers). Liquid FR Raw Materials should be stored in sealed containers to avoid volatilization and chemical reactions with air, while kept away from fire sources and oxidants (such as potassium permanganate and hydrogen peroxide) to prevent combustion or explosion. In addition, different types of FR Raw Materials should be stored separately to avoid cross-contamination (such as separating halogen-containing and halogen-free materials to prevent cross-impact on environmental indicators). The storage area should be clearly marked with information such as material name, specification, storage date, and shelf life, and the "first-in, first-out" principle should be followed to ensure that materials are used within their shelf life and avoid performance degradation due to expiration.

At the same time, during use, it is necessary to ensure the safety protection and skill training of operators. Operators must be familiar with the characteristics of FR Raw Materials (such as whether they are irritating or prone to dust generation), processing procedures, and safety precautions to avoid safety accidents caused by improper operations. For example, when handling powdered FR Raw Materials, operators should wear dust masks (preferably N95-grade), protective glasses, and anti-static gloves to prevent dust from being inhaled into the respiratory tract or coming into contact with the skin, causing discomfort. When using liquid FR Raw Materials, operators should wear chemical protective clothing; if the material comes into contact with the skin accidentally, it should be rinsed with clean water for more than 15 minutes and medical attention should be sought promptly. During processing, if volatile gases are generated, the workshop must be well-ventilated; if necessary, exhaust fans or waste gas treatment equipment should be installed. Enterprises should organize regular training and assessments for operators, covering material characteristics, operating specifications, and emergency response measures (such as handling methods for fire and leakage accidents) to ensure that operators have qualified operating skills and safety awareness.

Rich Practical Application Scenarios: What Are the Typical Cases of FR Raw Materials?

The application of FR Raw Materials has penetrated into various industries such as construction, electronics, automotive, and new energy. Practical application cases in different industries can more intuitively demonstrate their value in safety protection and industrial upgrading. So, what are the representative application cases of FR Raw Materials in the production practice of various industries?

In the construction and building materials industry, during the construction of a large commercial complex project, FR Raw Material-added products were used for decorative materials such as ceilings, walls, and floors. Among them, the ceiling material adopted gypsum boards modified with phosphorus-based halogen-free FR Raw Materials, which had an oxygen index of 32% and a vertical burning rating of V-0, with good sound insulation performance; the wall material used fire-retardant coatings made of inorganic hydroxide-based halogen-free FR Raw Materials, which could expand to form a flame-retardant and heat-insulating layer at high temperatures, with a fire resistance rating of more than 2 hours. In an accidental local fire caused by a short circuit, the ceiling material only showed slight carbonization without open flame combustion, and the wall fire-retardant coating effectively prevented the fire from spreading to the interior of the wall, gaining valuable time for firefighters to extinguish the fire and for personnel evacuation in the mall. At the same time, due to the adoption of a halogen-free flame-retardant formula, no toxic gases were released during combustion, ensuring the safety of personnel lives. This case not only verified the important role of FR Raw Materials in building safety but also promoted the popularization and application of flame-retardant building materials in the local construction industry. Later, many large public building projects (such as stadiums and railway stations) adopted FR Raw Material building materials with reference to this standard.

In the electronics and electrical appliances industry, a well-known consumer electronics enterprise used modified ABS plastic parts made of halogen-containing FR Raw Materials for components such as the mainboard protective layer, battery shell, and power adapter shell inside laptops to improve the safety performance of the products. The FR Raw Materials had an oxygen index of 38%, a vertical burning rating of V-0, good insulation performance (volume resistivity reaching 10¹⁴Ω·cm), and heat resistance (heat distortion temperature of 85℃). In the simulated battery short-circuit test, the battery shell made of these FR Raw Materials could effectively isolate the flame; even when the internal temperature of the battery rose to above 200℃, the shell did not crack, avoiding the explosion risk caused by battery combustion. In contrast, the traditional ABS plastic shell without FR Raw Materials began to soften and deform at 150℃ and burned and cracked in a short time, leading to battery ignition. In addition, these FR Raw Materials had good processing performance and could be quickly formed through injection molding, with production efficiency 20% higher than that of traditional flame-retardant materials, meeting the enterprise's mass production needs. This made the safety performance score of this laptop model rank among the top in industry evaluations, with sales volume increasing by 15% - 20% compared with the previous generation.

In the new energy automotive industry, a new energy vehicle manufacturer used inorganic hydroxide-based halogen-free FR Raw Materials to make the heat-insulating layer and buffer material of the battery pack in response to the safety protection needs of the battery pack; at the same time, it added phosphorus-based halogen-free FR Raw Material-modified polypropylene materials to the battery pack shell. Among them, the heat-insulating layer material had a thermal conductivity of only 0.03W/(m·K), which could effectively block heat transfer at high temperatures; the buffer material had good elasticity and flame-retardant performance, which could absorb impact force during collisions and prevent sparks caused by friction from igniting a fire; the shell material had an oxygen index of 30%, a vertical burning rating of V-0, and a heat distortion temperature of 120℃, which could adapt to the high-temperature environment during vehicle operation. In an actual road test, after a new energy vehicle equipped with this FR Raw Material battery pack collided, the battery pack showed local overheating (temperature rising to 180℃), but the heat-insulating layer and buffer material effectively prevented heat diffusion, and the shell did not burn or crack, allowing the personnel inside the vehicle to evacuate safely. This case proved the key role of FR Raw Materials in the safety protection of new energy vehicles and provided a reference direction for the development of battery safety technology in the new energy automotive industry. Later, many new energy vehicle enterprises launched cooperation with this FR Raw Material supplier, promoting the upgrading of flame-retardant materials for battery packs in the industry.

In the textile industry, an outdoor clothing brand added nitrogen-based halogen-free FR Raw Materials to workwear fabrics specially used in the petroleum and chemical industries to improve the fire safety performance of the products. The FR Raw Materials were attached to the surface of fabric fibers through a special impregnation process, and the formed flame-retardant layer had good washability (after 50 washes, the flame-retardant performance still met the standard requirements) without affecting the fabric's breathability (air permeability reaching 800mm/s) and wear resistance (Martindale abrasion resistance of more than 50,000 times). The workwear fabric had an oxygen index of 28% and a vertical burning rating of V-1. In a simulated fire test, after a tester wearing this workwear stayed in the flame for 30 seconds, the fabric only showed carbonization without continuous combustion or molten drips, effectively protecting the tester's skin from burns. After the launch of this workwear, it was favored by enterprises in high-risk industries such as petroleum and chemical engineering, with orders increasing by 30% within half a year. It also promoted the R&D and application of flame-retardant fabrics in the textile industry, and later many outdoor clothing brands began to launch safety workwear series using FR Raw Materials.

Performance Testing Is Key: How to Scientifically Determine Whether FR Raw Materials Meet Standards?

Whether FR Raw Materials meet standards directly affects the safety performance and use effect of downstream products, so scientific performance testing is crucial. So, in practical testing work, what methods and indicators can be used to scientifically determine whether the performance of FR Raw Materials meets the requirements?

In terms of flame-retardant performance testing, common testing methods include the oxygen index determination method, vertical burning test method, and smoke density test method, which can comprehensively evaluate the flame-retardant ability and combustion safety of FR Raw Materials. To clearly present the flame-retardant performance compliance standards of FR Raw Materials in different application scenarios, the following table sorts out the methods, indicator requirements, and applicable scenarios of each testing item:

The oxygen index determination method determines the minimum oxygen concentration required for the material to maintain combustion (i.e., oxygen index) by testing the combustion status of the material in mixed gases with different oxygen concentrations. A higher oxygen index indicates better flame-retardant performance of the material. During testing, FR Raw Materials should be made into standard samples (usually strip samples with a length of 80mm, width of 10mm, and thickness of 4mm), placed in an oxygen index tester, and the oxygen concentration should be adjusted to observe whether the sample burns, and the minimum oxygen concentration for maintaining combustion should be recorded. For example, FR Raw Materials used for electronic components must have an oxygen index of more than 30% to meet the standards; while FR Raw Materials used for building interiors usually have a compliance standard of an oxygen index of no less than 26%.

The vertical burning test method evaluates the flame-retardant rating (usually graded according to UL94 standards) by simulating the combustion status of the material in a vertical state. During testing, the sample is fixed vertically, and a specified flame (such as a blue flame with a height of 20mm) is used to ignite the bottom of the sample for 10 seconds each time. The burning time (including flaming combustion and glowing combustion), burning length, and whether drips ignite the cotton wool 300mm below should be recorded. Based on the test results, materials can be divided into different grades such as V-0, V-1, and V-2. Among them, V-0 is the highest grade, requiring that after two ignitions, the flaming combustion time does not exceed 10 seconds each time, the glowing combustion time does not exceed 30 seconds, and no drips ignite the cotton wool; V-1 requires that the flaming combustion time does not exceed 30 seconds, the glowing combustion time does not exceed 60 seconds, and no drips ignite the cotton wool; V-2 allows drips to ignite the cotton wool, but the requirements for flaming combustion and glowing combustion time are the same as those for V-1.

The smoke density test method evaluates the combustion safety of the material by measuring the smoke concentration generated during material combustion. During testing, FR Raw Material samples (usually sheet samples of 100mm×100mm×thickness) are placed in the combustion chamber of a smoke density tester, and the samples are ignited with a specified flame. The light blocking degree of the smoke is continuously measured through an optical system (such as a laser transmitter and receiver), and the Smoke Density Rating (SDR) is calculated. A lower SDR indicates less smoke generated during material combustion, which is more beneficial for personnel evacuation and fire rescue. Generally, FR Raw Materials used in public places (such as shopping malls and hospitals) should have an SDR of less than 75; while those used in enclosed spaces (such as car cockpits and aircraft cabins) should have an SDR of less than 50.

In terms of mechanical performance testing, it mainly includes tensile strength testing, impact strength testing, and flexural strength testing, which can evaluate the ability of FR Raw Materials to resist external forces during use, ensuring that the materials are not easily deformed or broken in practical applications. Tensile strength testing is conducted in accordance with GB/T 1040.1-2006. FR Raw Materials are made into dumbbell-shaped standard samples (such as Type I samples with a total length of 170mm and an effective length of 50mm). A universal testing machine is used to apply axial tension to the samples at a constant speed (usually 50mm/min) until the samples break. The maximum tensile force at break is recorded, and the tensile strength is calculated using the formula "Tensile Strength = Maximum Tensile Force / Original Cross-Sectional Area of the Sample". For example, FR Raw Materials used in automotive interior parts typically require a tensile strength of more than 25MPa; those used in electronic device housings need a tensile strength of over 30MPa.

Impact strength testing mainly includes two methods: simply supported beam impact testing (in accordance with GB/T 1043.1-2008) and cantilever beam impact testing (in accordance with GB/T 1843-2021). The simply supported beam impact testing is suitable for materials with good toughness, while the cantilever beam impact testing is suitable for relatively brittle materials. Taking simply supported beam impact testing as an example, FR Raw Materials are made into rectangular standard samples (such as 80mm×10mm×4mm). The samples are fixed at both ends on the supports of the impact testing machine, and a pendulum of a specified mass (such as a 2.75J or 5.5J pendulum) is dropped freely from a specified height to impact the middle of the samples. The energy difference before and after the pendulum impact (i.e., the impact energy absorbed by the samples) is recorded, and the impact strength is calculated using the formula "Impact Strength = Absorbed Energy / Original Cross-Sectional Area of the Sample". A higher impact strength indicates better impact resistance of the material. For example, FR Raw Materials used in automotive bumpers require an impact strength of more than 15kJ/m²; those used in home appliance housings need an impact strength of over 5kJ/m².

Flexural strength testing is carried out in accordance with GB/T 9341-2008. FR Raw Materials are made into rectangular standard samples (such as 80mm×10mm×4mm). The samples are placed at both ends on the supports of the testing machine (the distance between the supports is usually 16 times the thickness of the samples). A bending force perpendicular to the axis of the samples is applied at the middle of the samples at a constant speed (usually 2mm/min) until the samples break or the deformation reaches a specified value (such as the maximum deflection of the samples reaching 10% of the distance between the supports). The maximum bending force at this point is recorded, and the flexural strength is calculated using the formula "Flexural Strength = 3×Maximum Bending Force×Distance Between Supports/(2×Sample Width×Sample Thickness²)". FR Raw Materials used in structural parts (such as building load-bearing components and equipment brackets) usually have higher flexural strength requirements. For example, FR Raw Material structural parts used in construction need a flexural strength of more than 40MPa; those used in equipment brackets require a flexural strength of over 35MPa.

In addition, thermal stability testing is also an important part of the performance testing of FR Raw Materials, mainly including heat distortion temperature testing and thermogravimetric analysis, to ensure that the materials can maintain stable performance in high-temperature environments. Heat distortion temperature testing is conducted in accordance with GB/T 1634.1-2021. FR Raw Materials are made into standard samples (such as 120mm×10mm×4mm) and placed in the heating medium (such as silicone oil) of a heat distortion temperature tester. A constant load (such as 1.82MPa or 0.45MPa, selected according to the material application) is applied at the middle of the samples. The temperature of the heating medium is increased at a constant rate (usually 120℃/h). When the deformation of the samples reaches a specified value (such as 0.25mm), the temperature at this time is recorded as the heat distortion temperature. A higher heat distortion temperature indicates better dimensional stability of the material in high-temperature environments. For example, FR Raw Materials used in components around the engine need a heat distortion temperature of more than 150℃; those used in electronic product casings require a heat distortion temperature of over 80℃.

Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) evaluates the thermal stability and decomposition characteristics of FR Raw Materials by monitoring the change of material mass with temperature under programmed temperature control. This test is usually conducted in accordance with GB/T 27761-2011. During the test, 5-10mg of FR Raw Material samples are placed in a crucible of a thermogravimetric analyzer. Under an inert gas (such as nitrogen) or air atmosphere, the temperature is increased from room temperature to 800℃ at a rate of 10℃/min-20℃/min, and the curve of sample mass changing with temperature (i.e., thermogravimetric curve) is recorded in real time. Three key parameters can be obtained by analyzing the curve: initial decomposition temperature (the temperature when the sample mass loses 5%), maximum decomposition rate temperature (the temperature when the sample mass loses the fastest), and residual mass (the percentage of the remaining sample mass relative to the initial mass at 800℃).

A higher initial decomposition temperature indicates stronger stability of the material in high-temperature environments. For example, FR Raw Materials used in components around the engine need an initial decomposition temperature of more than 300℃; the maximum decomposition rate temperature can reflect the severity of material decomposition, and a higher temperature indicates more gentle decomposition of the material and higher safety; the residual mass is related to the content of flame-retardant components in the material. Generally, the higher the content of flame-retardant components, the greater the residual mass. For example, the residual mass of inorganic hydroxide-based halogen-free FR Raw Materials can reach 40%-60%, while that of halogen-containing FR Raw Materials is usually 10%-20%. Through thermogravimetric analysis, it is not only possible to determine whether FR Raw Materials meet the temperature requirements of the application scenario, but also to assist in analyzing their flame-retardant mechanism, providing a basis for material formula optimization.

In terms of environmental performance testing, focus should be placed on volatile content, heavy metal content, and halogen content to ensure that the materials meet the needs of green production and use. Volatile content testing is conducted in accordance with GB/T 14522-2008. FR Raw Material samples are dried in an oven at 105℃±2℃ for 2 hours, and the volatile content is calculated using the formula "Volatile Content = (Mass Before Drying - Mass After Drying)/Mass Before Drying×100%". High-quality FR Raw Materials should have a volatile content of less than 0.5% to avoid releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during processing or use, which may pollute the environment or affect human health.

Heavy metal content testing uses Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) or Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) to detect the content of heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium in accordance with GB/T 26125-2011. It is required that the content of each heavy metal is less than 100ppm to prevent heavy metals from seeping into soil or water sources and causing environmental pollution after the materials are discarded. Halogen content testing is conducted in accordance with GB/T 9872-2004. The oxygen bomb combustion-ion chromatography method is used to detect the total content of chlorine and bromine in the material. The halogen content of halogen-free FR Raw Materials should be less than 900ppm (chlorine + bromine). There is no mandatory upper limit for halogen-containing FR Raw Materials, but they should be clearly marked in the product description to facilitate downstream enterprises to choose according to environmental requirements.

In addition, in some application scenarios, FR Raw Materials also need to undergo special performance testing. For example, FR Raw Materials used in wires and cables need to undergo aging resistance testing (in accordance with GB/T 1040.1-2006, the tensile strength retention rate after thermo-oxidative aging test should be ≥80%); FR Raw Materials used in food contact-related products need to undergo migration testing (in accordance with GB 4806.7-2016, to ensure that the migration of harmful substances meets food safety requirements). Enterprises should select corresponding testing items according to their own application scenarios to fully verify whether the performance of FR Raw Materials meets the standards, and avoid potential safety or environmental hazards of products due to single testing.

Conclusion: FR Raw Materials - A Dual Support for Safety and Industrial Upgrading

From the continuous rise of market demand to the diversified differentiation of product categories; from the continuous breakthroughs in technological R&D to the collaborative empowerment of the industrial chain; from the risk avoidance in purchase and use to the case verification in practical applications, and then to the scientific and rigorous performance testing, FR Raw Materials are no longer a single "safety protection material", but have become a core support for promoting the high-quality development of multiple industries such as construction, electronics, automotive, and new energy.

At a time when the demand for fire safety is becoming increasingly urgent, FR Raw Materials build a "protective wall" for people's lives and property safety by delaying the spread of flames and reducing the release of toxic smoke. In the wave of industrial upgrading, through formula optimization and technological innovation, they balance safety, performance, and environmental protection, meet the personalized needs of different industries, and help enterprises improve product competitiveness. Under the trend of green development, the R&D and application of halogen-free, low-toxic, and degradable FR Raw Materials promote the transformation of the industrial chain towards low-carbon and environmental protection, conforming to the concept of sustainable development.

In the future, with the further improvement of safety standards in various industries and the continuous advancement of technological innovation, FR Raw Materials will usher in a broader development space. Whether it is the scenario expansion in emerging fields or the performance iteration of existing products, they will continue to contribute key strength to social safety protection and high-quality industrial development as a dual-identity of "safety guardian" and "industrial enabler".