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06 May 2008  -  Germany

Additives for fire protection, flame retardancy and anti-graffiti

Innovative flame retardants, high-performance organic pigments, waxes, light stabilizers, antioxidants, and a permanent anti-graffiti coating – this is the comprehensive product range Clariant showcased at JEC Show Paris 2008.

Exolit® OP is a trailblazing product series for the effective fire protection of polyamides and polyesters. The phosphinate-based system offers many benefits. It is non-halogenated and highly effective and complies already in low amounts with the most stringent fire protection classifications and key electrical properties. Its ecological compatibility and recyclability have also been scientifically proven. The flame retardant system is compatible with the WEEE (EU Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and RoHS (EU Directive on the Restriction of Certain Hazardous Substances) directives. In addition to fiberglass-reinforced polyamides and polyester, its main areas of application, the new generation of flame retardants has also shown its effectiveness in circuit boards such as FR-4, adhesives, sealants, and epoxy laminates. Thanks to their low density, they can also be used for lightweight construction composite materials. 

Exolit® AP is a flame retardant system based on ammonium polyphosphate (AP). Because of its foaming effect in case of a fire, it is also referred to as “intumescent”. Compared to conventional non-halogenated flame retardants, when using Exolit® AP or Exolit® RP in combination with aluminum trihydrate, the total amount of the filler can be reduced by up to 40-50 percent. 

Exolit® RP, a flame retardant system based on red phosphorus, has established itself in Europe for the fire protection of GF polyamides, as well as PU or epoxy based potting compounds. It is highly effective – the highest fire protection standards can be met with even the lowest dosages, and processing is hazard-free. By adding only 6 percent additive, the fire protection classification UL 94 V-0 can be reached without major impact on mechanical or electrical properties. 

TutoProm® is an anti-graffiti system for railway interiors and exteriors. Its permanent protection is based on silica based polymers, also known as polysilazanes. The German Railroad is already using the product in numerous of its cars to fend off graffiti attacks. The transparent liquid was specially developed for non-porous surfaces such as plastics, including fiberglass-reinforced polymers (FRPs), metal, and painted surfaces. Due to its chemical bond, the protective layer has excellent adhesion to the substrates after drying. The adhesion of graffiti colors, coatings, or other markings, is very weak, and these unwanted substances are easily removed. tutoProm® dries quickly and has pleasant haptic and visual properties. It features good UV resistance and is also resistant to most cleaning agents, organic solvents, or brake fluids. It also does not affect the flame resistance of coated substrates. 

About Clariant
Clariant is a global leader in the field of specialty chemicals. Strong business relationships, commitment to outstanding service and wide-ranging application know-how make Clariant a preferred partner for its customers. Clariant, which is represented on five continents with over 100 group companies, employs around 21,000 people. Headquartered in Muttenz near Basel, it generated sales of CHF 8.5 billion in 2007.
Clariant’s businesses are organized in four divisions: Textile, Leather & Paper Chemicals, Pigments & Additives, Masterbatches and Functional Chemicals.
The Pigments & Additives Division offers a wide range of high-quality organic pigments, pigment preparations, dyes, and additives for industrial and automotive coatings, decorative paints, printing inks, plastics, and specialized applications, such as cosmetics, detergents, and agro.

Source : Clariant