The need for safer, more effective flame retardants has followed us for decades. Back in the day, the industry leaned heavily on halogenated compounds, but their toxic legacy and environmental impact forced chemists to look elsewhere. Exolit Fyrolflex RDP didn’t just pop up overnight. Its roots trace to chemists in the late 20th century, racing to meet regulations clamping down on persistent organic pollutants found in old-school retardants. Makers saw opportunity in organophosphorus chemistry and began designing compounds with less environmental baggage. By the early 2000s, Exolit Fyrolflex RDP entered the market with the promise to deliver strong fire resistance with a friendlier environmental profile. The product’s development mirrors an evolving awareness—one that puts people’s long-term health and planetary safety into the equation.
This flame retardant sets itself apart as a clear, colorless to slight yellow liquid mainly made from resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate). Going by RDP or Resorcinol Diphenyl Phosphate, the product usually appears in big blue drums or stainless-steel containers and lands in thousands of factories that work with plastics and electronics. Unlike the dusty powders that ruled the scene before, RDP’s liquid form makes it simple for operators to mix into base polymers. Its molecular structure, carrying phenyl rings and phosphate groups, reacts to high heat by forming a protective char layer that traps flame and stops smoke. With a viscous, oily feel, RDP resists separating under normal storage, which means fewer headaches on the factory floor.
RDP weighs more than water and gives off almost no odor. Its boiling point pushes past 200°C, and it shows strong thermal stability, holding up under years of shelf storage. Solubility stays low in water—good for end products needing to avoid leaching—but the substance mixes easily in most organic solvents and base resins. This lends flexibility across plastics and coatings. In my own experience handling flame retardants, RDP stands out because it doesn’t clump, dust, or separate, cutting down on wasted product and keeping workspaces tidier. Most manufacturers aim for purity over 99%, as impurities can mess with the physical properties of the resins they join.
Labels spell out key data: molecular formula (C30H24O8P2), CAS number (57583-54-7), and hazard designations. Packaging often highlights thermal decomposition points above 350°C, giving processors wide latitude during polymer processing. Standard labels warn about eye and skin irritation and advise going heavy on glove and goggle use. Regulatory documentation—think REACH, RoHS—provides traceability for the safety-minded client. Technical data sheets run thick with details, covering not just phosphorus content and viscosity but compatibility with ABS, polycarbonate, and other base plastics.
Production of RDP begins with reacting resorcinol, a hydroxybenzene, with diphenyl chlorophosphate. The process takes place in inert atmospheres to block unwanted side reactions. Operators keep a close watch, as controlling pH and temperature helps limit impurities. Waste phenol is scrubbed or recovered for other uses. Processes have improved since the early days, with new catalyst systems granted industry patents for their efficiency or reduced by-product output. Modern facilities keep leaks in check and recover solvents for reuse. These improvements cut costs and limit the footprint, paying off both financially and environmentally.
Once in a polymer blend, RDP behaves as both a flame retardant and a plasticizer in some formulations. Heating triggers the phosphate groups to release phosphoric acid, which kicks off char formation and disrupts the combustion chain reaction. Some research teams have tweaked RDP’s structure—adding Friedel-Crafts alkyl groups, for example—to boost performance or give better compatibility with niche plastics like epoxy or vinyl esters. These tweaks sometimes bring trade-offs, like increased viscosity or reduced UV stability, so chemists must balance fire protection against other physical properties. Labs consistently run these tests head-to-head, searching for that rare sweet spot of performance.
RDP gets marketed under a tangle of synonyms and trade names—Fyrolflex RDP, Exolit OP 1230, and others. End users swap between these names, but the underlying compound stays much the same. Detailed material safety data sheets often list all aliases and product numbers, helping warehouses avoid accidental substitutions or regulatory slip-ups. From a procurement standpoint, checking CAS numbers cuts confusion and skirt counterfeits that crop up, especially from low-cost suppliers with thin documentation.
Manufacturers stress closed handling systems and good local exhaust. Anyone who’s spent time on a plastics line knows the sting of missing PPE, so gloves, goggles, and face shields act as the last wall between chemical and operator. Fire marshals require that drums sit in cool, dry spaces away from oxidizers. Facilities often carry eyewash stations and spill kits, and training logs catalog every safety practice. Regulatory agencies in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia check up for RoHS, TSCA, and REACH compliance. My experience tells me that keeping up with evolving regulation matters even more than the initial install—surprise audits haul up old paperwork faster than you’d expect.
Factories blend RDP into engineering plastics like polycarbonate, ABS, and their alloys—materials that go into electronics housings, connectors, and circuit boards. Some construction products use it in intumescent paints or floor coatings, riding on its performance even in thin layers. Automotive wiring benefits from RDP’s ability to slow melt-drip and maintain ductility, making a case for its use in under-the-dash electronics. Sustainability-minded manufacturers pair RDP with recycled plastics to balance safety with green claims—though, full recyclability can get tricky depending on local sorting and reprocessing infrastructure.
Academic labs dive deep into RDP’s combustion chemistry, with high-speed cameras capturing split-second char development under flame. Teams write up ways to combine RDP with synergists—zinc borate, melamine, or other phosphonates—to get stronger fire resistance at lower loadings. Industrial groups push for new grades with lower viscosity targets, helping injection molders hit tighter tolerances. Some research looks to biobased modifications, hoping to graft plant-derived groups onto the backbone to quiet down environmental watchdogs and reduce price volatility driven by oil. Years of research show that while RDP remains dependable, the race is on to shrink its toxicity while boosting performance.
Health researchers have flagged some RDP metabolites for bioaccumulation risk, especially in aquatic environments near manufacturing hubs. Chronic exposure studies in animals point to mild liver changes at high doses but generally lower risk than the old chlorinated flame retardants. Regulatory limits keep drifting lower, and product stewardship plans now track cradle-to-grave environmental fate, not just acute toxicity. Airborne dust at processing plants stays minimal due to its liquid state, but spill management remains a critical concern. Few operators forget the headaches that come with chemical exposure complaints: even faint odors trigger incident reports, urging tighter controls and constant air monitoring.
Regulations push flame retardant chemistry forward, and RDP finds itself bridging the gap between needs for fire safety and demands for better health or environmental outcomes. The pursuit for next-gen replacements with fully benign profiles hasn’t eased, but the scale and infrastructure built around RDP keep it stuck in the center for now. If advances in biosourced phosphorus chemistry and high-efficiency synergists pay off, tomorrow’s plastics might shed legacy retardants like RDP—yet the present relies on its resilience, clear labeling, and steady performance. Factory managers, researchers, and regulators alike keep running tests, writing new standards, and swapping notes, all while the conversation marches on about how safe, green, and fireproof our world can become.
Fire risk crosses everyone’s mind, whether you build a house, run a manufacturing company, or just want to sleep better under your own roof. I grew up in a drafty old house, and my father always worried about faulty wiring or a forgotten candle. Today, more and more of what fills our lives—furniture, electronics, floors, walls—comes from plastics and foams that go up in flames fast. Looking for ways to keep homes safer means finding chemicals that slow down fire without putting something even more dangerous in the mix.
Exolit Fyrolflex RDP puts the brakes on fire. It goes into everyday items—cushions, building panels, wiring insulation, car interiors—and makes them burn much slower and often self-extinguish. Unlike old-school brominated flame retardants, which can build up in the body or the environment, Fyrolflex RDP is considered halogen-free. That means it doesn’t break down into toxic byproducts that stick around for generations.
The chemical formula comes from the organophosphorus family. That might sound technical, but in regular language, it means this additive helps plastics and foams form a protective barrier against heat and flames. The goal: more escape time and less damage if a fire starts where you live or work. As a parent, I like knowing toys and mattresses aren't soaked in questionable chemicals, but still buy us those extra minutes during a crisis.
It’s easy to point out it meets fire codes or passes regulations in North America and Europe. For me, that’s just the minimum. Fires destroy homes in minutes and injure thousands each year. Electric scooters, e-bikes, and laptops with cheap batteries all ramp up residential fire hazards. Fyrolflex RDP gives designers a safer way to meet stricter fire safety standards without having to reach for the same old chemicals people now worry about.
I’ve seen insulation made with phosphorus-based retardants hold off flames long enough that firefighters can respond before everything’s lost. And I’ve watched news stories where poorly protected foams—maybe in a mattress or couch—turn a small spark into a disaster.
People often dislike additives in products, but the reality is, industry can't drop flame retardants tomorrow. We can push to use options that don’t persist in the environment or expose kids and pets to toxins with every breath. Fyrolflex RDP makes sense because it delivers on lower toxicity and fewer long-term risks.
Markets demand flame retardants for safety, insurance, and building codes. It makes sense to ask companies to explain what’s in their materials and why. If something better or less risky than Fyrolflex RDP comes along, consumers should know. Green chemistry holds the most promise here: it combines performance and safety without leftovers that haunt us years later.
DIY home remodelers and small manufacturers often lack access to clear information. Labels listing safer fire protection ingredients or certifications help buyers make smarter choices. Further, governments could fund studies comparing additive options, not just for fire ratings but for indoor air and long-term health impact. This doesn’t ask shoppers to become chemists—it asks industry and regulators to keep people’s health front and center.
Families deserve cushions and furniture that won’t become fuel for the next house fire. Firefighters count on buildings holding up long enough for a rescue. If additives like Fyrolflex RDP help slow down danger without compromise, that’s worth putting on the shelf. Trust grows when companies use ingredients with a proven record for safety and make those choices clear to buyers. We still need more transparency, but better flame retardants move us closer to homes and offices that look and feel safe—inside and out.
For anyone working with plastics or building materials, fire safety rarely falls off the priority list. Exolit Fyrolflex RDP walks into this picture as a flame retardant that’s made its mark, especially in electrical and construction circles. On a chemical level, Fyrolflex RDP comes from the group of organic phosphates. More specifically, it’s a liquid and doesn’t carry halogens, making it friendlier if you care about smoke and toxic byproducts in fires.
Plenty of products claim to fight fire, but not all travel as widely as RDP. This additive holds up under heat and doesn’t sneak out of materials during their everyday use. The key here: Fyrolflex RDP stays put. That’s a real-life advantage. A friend of mine, who works in cable manufacturing, learned this lesson the hard way with another flame retardant. Their cables started to sweat chemicals, leading to sticky surfaces in customers’ homes. Switching to Fyrolflex RDP put an end to those complaints, which shows that this property really matters.
RDP works with applications like flexible polyurethane foams, coatings, adhesives, and even vinyl-based flooring. Its liquid form makes it blend easily, saving headaches during processing. Many solid additives clump up or cause the end product to become brittle. Fyrolflex RDP skips these problems. Nobody wants to sell floors that crack or electronics gumming up a machine. The companies trying to meet strict fire regulations without redesigning their product formulas have found this helpful.
It’s tempting to focus only on fire protection, but how RDP behaves over years of use matters most. Have you sat through a product recall meeting? Manufacturers dread them. They want flame retardants that don’t escape, react badly with other chemicals, or make products feel greasy. Fyrolflex RDP tackles those concerns. During tests, it keeps its head above water for low volatility. That just means it doesn’t evaporate easily, so you’re not likely to find your floor or foam leaking chemicals months later.
This additive helps foam and plastics keep their softness and resilience. With older fire retardants, cushions would stiffen or turn crumbly over time. That doesn’t just hurt comfort; it leads to more waste and unhappy customers. Fyrolflex RDP offers solid compatibility, so furniture manufacturers can keep seats comfortable while ticking the safety boxes.
In the 90s and 2000s, people started worrying much more about flame retardants leaching toxins during fires or as products aged. Many options used to be full of chlorine or bromine, and that led to mountains of burned plastic releasing stuff you don’t want floating around. Fyrolflex RDP avoids halogens altogether, creating less toxic smoke and fewer tricky byproducts if fire does break out. That shift alone has made it welcome among companies trying for LEED points or following strict European green building standards.
Fyrolflex RDP hasn’t solved every challenge. Its main job lies in fire safety, and while it helps preserve material properties, no flame retardant feels totally invisible. Price can be higher than older additives. Small manufacturers sometimes hesitate, sticking with tried-and-true options. More research into blending it with recycled materials or pushing its use into new spaces—such as EV batteries—is underway. The push for safer, less polluting flame retardants keeps growing. Fyrolflex RDP answers some big questions right now, but future tweaks and rigorous testing will only improve what it can offer tomorrow.
Plenty of engineers, safety officers, and even end-users have one key question about flame retardants: are they halogen-free? Trends in fire safety swing away from halogens as more people worry about toxins and what happens when flame retardants start charring up in a fire. Exolit Fyrolflex RDP, a common additive in electronics, insulation foam, and even furniture, shows up often in these debates. The answer matters for the planet and for anyone who likes to breathe clean air.
Halogens like chlorine and bromine sneak into many older flame-slowing chemicals. The trouble isn’t the fire resistance; the trouble starts when these chemicals burn or slowly leach out. That’s where dioxins, furans, and other stubborn, toxic byproducts make the news. Scientists have linked some of these breakdown products to cancer, hormone disruption, and trouble during child development. Regulators especially in Europe, have pressured companies to find better ways to stifle flames without poisoning the air, water, and soil.
Exolit Fyrolflex RDP belongs to a group called organophosphorus compounds. The “RDP” stands for resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate). The key point: the chemical recipe for RDP never adds bromine or chlorine atoms. If you look at the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or company product pages, the claims stay consistent—no halogens, just phosphorus, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen lined up in a way that stops burning without those legacy chemicals. The world’s big chemical databases back this up. Phosphorus-based flame retardants generally work by forming a char barrier, smothering heat and oxygen, not by creating toxic halogenated gases.
Using halogen-free flame retardants like Exolit Fyrolflex RDP doesn’t automatically mean every concern disappears. Take health and safety during manufacturing—there’s phosphorus, and plenty of research still chases down what it does to waterways and workers. Nothing in the world ever lands at zero-risk. The real advantage shows itself during fires and recycling: no thick clouds of the most stubborn toxic halogenated compounds, which should ease the fears of firefighters, first responders, and people living downwind.
If you walk the halls at big material conferences, you hear the same thing—manufacturers race to update product labels, lean into green logos, and pitch alternatives to companies building tomorrow’s insulated homes, buses, and data centers. Europe’s REACH regulation leans hard on transparency and chemical safety. More jurisdictions in North America and Asia tighten their own rules on persistent organic pollutants, trying to keep both aquatic life and the food chain a bit cleaner.
Some developers already try to take things further by focusing on bio-based or “green” chemistry principles, squeezing out substances with scary reputations. I remember visiting a small company in Northern Germany where designers worked shoulder-to-shoulder with toxicologists, pushing to swap old flame retardants for new ones that break down quickly in the wild. That doesn’t just help with consumer trust; it can cut insurance costs and long-term cleanup bills too.
Just calling out halogen-free doesn’t solve every problem. More flame retardants—whether phosphorus-based or not—still drift off products over time, especially with heat and wear. It makes sense for anyone working in plastics, textiles, or construction to demand straightforward data on what goes into their supplies. Green seals and product datasheets are steps in the right direction, but I’d like to see routine third-party audits and clearer communication to buyers, not just vague eco-branding.
Maybe one day, more companies will sit down with environmentalists, firefighters, and medical researchers before the next chemical hits the shelves. Until then, at least with Exolit Fyrolflex RDP, folks can rest a bit easier knowing the halogen cloud hangs a lot lighter over our heads.
I’ve worked with a handful of fire safety additives, and Exolit Fyrolflex RDP stands out for more than just its long name. It’s a clear, liquid flame retardant, and that makes a big difference for plastics manufacturers. Folks in these factories don’t want to deal with dry clouds of irritating powder. Pouring a liquid straight into a blend feels safer and helps keep things steady. I’ve seen shop floors become a mess with dust, and the liquid route saves people a lot of headaches—not just from inhalation worries, but also from keeping machines clean.
People who work in compounding lines—those big machines that churn and mix plastic pellets—know that timing and consistency are everything. Pouring Fyrolflex RDP directly into a melted polymer during extrusion is how many get the job done. In my own hands-on days, I’d watch operators pour measured amounts right as the resin softened. Add it too early, and you get incomplete mixing. Pour it in too late, and you risk a lumpy, uneven mix. Both spell trouble down the road, especially if you want a batch to pass flame tests.
Plastic factories aim to keep things brisk. Lines can run for hours, and everyone wants to avoid clogging screw extruders with thick or sticky additives. Here, the liquid nature of Fyrolflex RDP makes for a smooth ride. I’ve watched these lines hum away, churning out sheets or pellets, and when the flame retardant flows, machines don’t slow down like they do with granules or powders. Even the folks at the weigh station spend less time fussing, which matters on tight production schedules.
You’d think dumping something into the mix is enough, but there’s more happening below the surface. Fire safety additives can change how resins flow, how final parts look, and even how tough the plastic ends up. Some nights I’d stay late, fixing batches that streaked or warped—not because anything went chemically wrong, but because the additive blended unevenly. Careful mixing won’t just save money—it keeps a business off the customer complaint hotline.
Any plant manager will say downtime gets expensive fast. If a batch fails a burn test, you might throw out thousands of dollars worth of plastic. Fyrolflex RDP, when added right, means products like wires, electronics housings, or auto parts stand a fighting chance in emergencies. We don’t talk about it enough, but safer plastics reduce fire deaths and property losses. A few cents spent to mix this right can save millions in lawsuits or recalls—something no bigwig wants to explain to the nightly news.
Sometimes the problem comes down to old equipment or distracted crews. Staff training and reliable dosing pumps keep things on track. Maintenance makes a big difference. I’ve seen plants adopt automated feeders and real-time monitoring, so plant workers can catch clogs and leaks before plastic gets wasted. Sharing tips across shifts—writing notes about which blends work best—keeps learning alive. If managers reward folks who spot problems early, you end up with a team that cares as much about quality and safety as the customer at the end of the chain.
Exolit Fyrolflex RDP gets a lot of attention in industries that take fire safety seriously. From building materials to electronics, folks reach for this phosphorus-based flame retardant for one reason: it’s proven to slow down fires. No magic here — chemistry does the heavy lifting. But chemistry can also work against you if you don't respect the recommendations for storage.
Keep Exolit Fyrolflex RDP in its original, tightly closed container. Moisture is an enemy here. If the compound soaks up water from the air, you can end up with clumping or less reliable performance, and nobody signs up for that. Too much heat also causes problems — the active ingredient may start reacting earlier than you want, which throws off the balance in your formulations.
Best practice: store this flame retardant in a cool, dry place. So, what does “cool” mean in real life? Room temperature — nothing extreme, usually 5 to 30 degrees Celsius. Some companies go further and monitor warehouse temperatures to avoid hot spots where drums could get warmer than expected.
Too many times I’ve seen perfectly good additives go to waste because someone left the lid loose or tucked a drum next to a heat source. These products cost money. Once something’s off, there’s no fixing it with wishful thinking. Good storage isn’t just a rule; it’s about protecting your investment.
Why am I so obsessed with moisture? Here’s the thing: Exolit Fyrolflex RDP’s chemical stability depends on keeping water out. Polyurethane makers and resin processors can’t risk uneven results from a lumpy or altered batch. If you’re working with this product, set up routines for checking containers and storage rooms — leaks or high humidity may sneak up on you after a wet season or a string of bad luck with HVAC.
It’s tempting to squeeze in materials wherever they fit in a warehouse, but some corners hold more sun by the window or hide slow leaks. Keep flame retardants away from direct sunlight. UV exposure and long-term heat can nudge these chemicals toward breakdown. Anyone who’s noticed a drum discoloring around a skylight knows it’s not a theoretical risk.
Get pallets off the floor if possible. Standing water after cleaning, or the odd spill, may creep into packaging over time, especially in older buildings. I’ve seen facilities run a dehumidifier after noticing condensation every morning by the loading dock — one change, better results. Marking storage zones for flame retardants means staff knows what to watch for. Not glamorous, but definitely effective.
Every producer sends the same message: check the safety data sheet. Sure, you can follow what people say on the shop floor or a quick online search, but paperwork spells out exactly what each product handles — and what it can’t stand. Some suppliers share shelf life details, just like you’d find on food labels. If you don’t see these, ask your supplier before taking chances.
Companies that set up proper storage keep their chemical safety reputation intact and save on waste. Tiny adjustments — sealed lids, climate checks, thoughtful placement — make a bigger difference than almost anything else you do. For Exolit Fyrolflex RDP, it’s not about overengineering the warehouse, just doing the basics well every day.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Triphenyl phosphate |
| Other names |
Fyrolflex RDP Fyroflex RDP RDP Isopropylated Triphenyl Phosphate IPTP |
| Pronunciation | /ˈfleɪm rɪˈtɑːdənts ˈɛksəˌlɪt faɪˈrɒlfleks ɑːr diː piː/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 57583-54-7 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `CCOP(=O)(Oc1cc(OP(=O)(Oc2ccccc2)c2ccccc2)ccc1)c1ccccc1` |
| Beilstein Reference | 1810582 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:31353 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL2105962 |
| ChemSpider | 145222 |
| DrugBank | DB11444 |
| ECHA InfoCard | ECHA InfoCard: 100.240.289 |
| EC Number | 115-86-6 |
| Gmelin Reference | 358399 |
| KEGG | C11756 |
| MeSH | D020110 |
| PubChem CID | 108026 |
| RTECS number | WX9350000 |
| UNII | 5B92U3V86G |
| UN number | UN3264 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C18H15O6P |
| Molar mass | 383.9 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless to pale yellow liquid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.20 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | insoluble |
| log P | 1.62 |
| Vapor pressure | <0.01 hPa (20 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 12.6 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 8.2 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | Diamagnetic |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.563 |
| Viscosity | 1200–2000 mPa·s |
| Dipole moment | 1.75 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 827.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -632.2 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -3384 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | 3814009099 |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS08 |
| Pictograms | GHS07,GHS08,GHS09 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H319, H351 |
| Precautionary statements | Precautionary statements: P210, P260, P273, P280, P305+P351+P338, P308+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | Health: 2, Flammability: 1, Instability: 1, Special: - |
| Flash point | > 201 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 450 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): > 2,000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): >5000 mg/kg (rat) |
| NIOSH | TTQ166 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for Flame Retardants Exolit Fyrolflex RDP: "PEL not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.5 mg/m³ |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not established |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Triphenyl phosphate Isopropylated triphenyl phosphate Exolit OP 1230 Exolit OP 1314 Exolit OP 935 Fyrolflex TPP |
