Great Lakes Launches Higher Reactivity Flame Retardant for Polyurethane and Polyisocyanate Foam
Great Lakes Chemical Corporation announced the introduction of Firemaster® 520, a higher reactivity flame retardant for rigid polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foam applications. Firemaster 520 was developed in close consultation with foam manufacturers who need to change their formulations to accommodate alternative blowing agents that are quickly replacing HCFC, which is subject to phase-out under the Montreal protocol.
Firemaster 520, with its primary hydroxyl reactive groups, offers faster reaction rates, lower viscosity, and improved compatibility in water blown foams. In many applications, a higher reactivity flame retardant is preferred to reduce cycle time and surface friability. The reduced surface friability helps to improve the adhesion of facing sheets to the foam surface. In spray foam, a lower viscosity, higher reactivity flame retardant is needed to prepare low viscosity, fast curing spray foam systems.
"Our customers wanted a solution that offered faster reactivity and increased compatibility with the new generation of blowing agents, however they couldn't sacrifice flame retardancy, " said Angelo C. Brisimitzakis, Executive Vice President of Flame Retardants and Brominated Performance Products at Great Lakes. "Firemaster 520 meets these needs and allows foam manufacturers to reduce the amount of time necessary to post-cure foams, resulting in faster line speeds." Brisimitzakis concluded, "Great Lakes PHT-4 Diol continues to be an excellent, cost effective choice for standard foam applications but, with the introduction of Firemaster 520, foam manufacturers now have an added choice in formulating flame retardant polyurethane and PIR rigid foams. Firemaster 520 is also suited for use in polyurethane-based adhesives and sealants."
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