Fire retardant polymer
28 November 2007
Axion Polymers, a division of plastics recycler Axion Recycling, claims a technical breakthrough in the production of a new flame retardant impact styrene formulation with high recycled content following successful laboratory trials.
With up to 70% recycled content, the company says its new material demonstrates the feasibility of making a highly flame retardant polymer, branded Axpoly PS01 FR, from its Axpoly PS01 halogen-free recycled plastic.
However, ‘having cracked the concept’, Axion is quick to point out that the next challenge is to make the process commercially viable for large-scale production.
The material potentially offers manufacturers a variety of new high value applications, particularly where offering a recycled content provides a marketing advantage or reduces production costs. The recycled component of Axion’s new formulation generates 10% of the amount of CO2 that is made in the production of virgin polymer.
“We have proved that a V0-performance material can be made in the laboratory, and this has been independently tested by a major petro-chemical company. We believe the future market potential is excellent, as flame retardant plastics make a major contribution to safety and saving lives. However, further research and development is needed to create commercially viable routes to market,” comments Axion’s technical director, Keith Freegard.
Axion was engaged to assess the commercial viability of using high quality recycled polymers derived from WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) in new products, such as TV casings.
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