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What are the main application fields of Expandable Graphite Flame Retardant?
Expandable Graphite Flame Retardant, that is, expanded graphite flame retardant, is derived from graphite. After special chemical treatment, it expands rapidly in case of fire and high temperature, forming a porous carbon layer to isolate oxygen and inhibit the spread of fire. Its functions are extensive and the application field is also very wide. Here are the numbers as follows.
The first is the building materials industry. Because the building structure uses wood, plastic, composite panels and other flammable materials, if the expanded graphite flame retardant is used, it can quickly expand at high temperatures and form an isolation layer, which greatly enhances the fire resistance and protects the safety of human life and property. Secondly, in the field of transportation equipment, especially in automobiles, aerospace, rail trains, ships, etc. The interiors, seats, insulation panels, cable coverings, etc. of various utensils need to be protected against the risk of electric fire and friction. Expanded graphite flame retardants are widely used in them because of their high efficiency and environmental protection.
It is also used for electronic and electrical purposes. There are many modern appliances, with complicated circuits, prone to short circuits and overheating. Expanded graphite can be used in cable sheaths, switch housings, integrated boards and other parts, which can effectively prevent electrical fires and double the electrical safety. Another example is the textile industry. Modern synthetic fibers are more flammable. If expanded graphite flame retardants are added, it can slow down the spread of fire and increase safety. Clothing, tents, curtains, carpets, automotive interior fabrics, etc. all benefit.
In addition, polymers and rubber products also rely more on expanded graphite flame retardants. Plastic parts, foam materials, rubber gaskets, etc., adding flame retardant expanded graphite to their formulations can significantly improve the fire resistance and meet the needs of high standards of safety regulations. Therefore, the manufacturing and packaging industries can also be widely used for their excellent flame retardant properties.
All these, expanded graphite flame retardants have become indispensable in all fields of modern industry for their rapid expansion, environmental protection and non-toxicity. Its wide application makes it possible for the peace of human society, the consolidation of buildings, and the protection of property.
What is the Flame Retardant Mechanism of Expandable Graphite Flame Retardant?
Expandable Graphite Flame Retardant, expanded graphite as the main material, used for fireproof and flame retardant materials. Its principle has its own shape and is manifested in use. Graphite is a layered structure, heated at high temperatures, with acids and oxidizing substances between the layers. In case of fire, it decomposes rapidly, releasing non-flammable gases, layer by layer expands into "worm-like", the volume increases greatly, and the surface is covered on the substrate. In this way, when the initial fire is timely, the expanded graphite is first exposed to its heat, which stimulates its chemical reaction. The acid promotes the separation of the graphite sheets, and the gas is released, causing the layers to expand and crack. Like a cloud of smoke, it overlaps, preventing the flame from penetrating deep into the substrate.
First, expanded graphite blocks the contact between oxygen and combustible materials. The carbon layer formed after expansion is thick and dense, which is armor for the substrate, and the flame is difficult to penetrate, slowing down the spread of combustion. Second, heat isolation, because the heat transfer of the carbon layer is very slow, the substrate is not easy to heat up to the ignition point. Third, the gas released by decomposition dilutes the flammable gas in the combustion area, making the fire difficult. The three are parallel, the flame is not burned, and it is difficult to transfer heat. The material is safe and will not melt and drip.
Expanded graphite is easy to obtain, its exquisite mechanism, high temperature resistance without corrosion, environmental protection and non-toxic. It is widely used in polymer materials, construction, electronics, etc. In the field of modern fire protection, expanded graphite is based in its unique way, and countries are competing to study it in order to improve its rationality and use it widely.
Overall view of the flame retardant mechanism of expanded graphite, the essence is: when exposed to flame, it expands and isolates the layer, ensuring the safety of the substrate, and then becomes an effective flame retardant choice. As for the properties of graphite itself, it is stable and not easy to evaporate, and it is also the first choice for fireproof materials.
How much is the Expandable Graphite Flame Retardant?
Expandable Graphite Flame Retardant is also an expanded graphite flame retardant. It is made of natural graphite and has been specially chemically treated to have the functions of thermal expansion, oxygen isolation, and combustion suppression. When used in polymer materials, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, epoxy resins, etc., its flame retardant performance can be significantly improved. As for the amount of addition, although it varies with the matrix material, application, and flame retardant grade, it is usually measured as a percentage of mass.
The ancients made new ones, and it must be experimentally scrutinized. According to many literatures and industry experience, the amount of Expandable Graphite added is more common between 10% and 30%, and 20% is the most commonly used midpoint. If you need to pass UL 94 V-0 and other high flame retardant standards, or require materials to have good ability to form bulging shells and protective substrates at high temperatures, you often need to increase the dosage to 25% or more. However, if you add too much, it may weaken the mechanical properties, embrittle the product, and reduce the processing fluidity. It is based on the craftsman's trade-off between flame retardancy and mechanical, molding and other properties, and set the most appropriate ratio. If it is coordinated with aluminum hydroxide, melamine, phosphorus and nitrogen series, the amount of graphite expansion can be slightly reduced, and the flame retardant performance can also be obtained.
The particle size of the raw material also affects the amount of addition. If the particle size is coarse, the expansion height is high, and the flame retardant benefit is significant; if the particle size is fine, the dispersion is good, and Therefore, the choice of particle size should also be taken into account.
The choice of flame retardant for cover is more expensive than listening to multiple parties and adapting to the material. Throughout the application of Expandable Graphite Flame Retardant in various materials, the developers of new materials all take scientific tests as the criterion, and adjust the addition ratio according to the performance standards and technological processes of different products. In general, the addition amount is mostly between 10% and 30%, and the specific situation can be high or low, depending on the needs of the product and performance constraints. If you understand this principle, you should apply it according to your own laws.
How safe is the environment for Expandable Graphite Flame Retardant?
Expandable Graphite (expanded graphite) is one of the modern flame retardant materials. It is used to improve the fire resistance of materials and is widely used in plastics, rubber, construction and many other fields. Its nature is obtained by special chemical treatment of graphite, which can expand rapidly at high temperature to form a high-volume carbon layer, which isolates oxygen and prevents the spread of flames. Compared with traditional halogen flame retardants, expanded graphite is known for its environmental friendliness. It can be used to replace halogen products, which can greatly reduce the emission of toxic and corrosive gases during combustion, which is conducive to air cleaning and operation safety.
The preparation of expanded graphite involves chemical acid treatment, but its residues can be thoroughly cleaned during the production process. The compliance producer can effectively control the emission of impurities and pollution. After being applied to products, expanded graphite has stable properties, is not easy to chemically react with the environment, and is disposed of in soil and water, and does not exfiltrate heavy metals and halogen ions, which will not cause direct damage to the ecosystem. It is flame retardant by physical expansion mechanism, and has low toxicity to human body. There is no obvious health concern in long-term use.
To investigate the performance of expanded graphite in fires, it mainly releases carbon dioxide and water vapor during combustion, and few persistent organic pollutants are formed. The combustion residue is not a hazardous waste that is difficult to treat. If compared with other flame retardants such as bromine and chlorine compounds, the environmental risk caused by expanded graphite is smaller, and the substitution trend is obvious. However, graphite raw materials are mostly mined from ore. Without proper mining management, it may also have a negative impact on the ecology. Therefore, resource utilization needs to follow a sustainable path and take into account the environmental load.
Overall, expanded graphite flame retardants have better environmental safety than traditional chemical flame retardants. They have low volatility during application and have limited harm to nature and humans. However, their production and raw material mining still need to be regulated to avoid source pollution. If green manufacturing and recycling can be combined, expanded graphite is expected to become a model of environmental protection in flame retardant technology.
What are the precautions for Expandable Graphite Flame Retardants during processing?
Expandable Graphite Flame Retardant (expanded graphite flame retardant) should be carefully reviewed when processing and applying to ensure proper process and excellent performance. Its special properties can expand rapidly at high temperatures, forming a porous carbon layer in case of fire, blocking oxygen and inhibiting combustion, so it is widely used in resins, plastics, rubber and other materials. If you want to use it properly, you need to keep a number.
First, you must check the purity and particle size of expanded graphite. If the particle size is too fine, it is easy to cause uneven distribution, which affects the flame retardant effect. If the particle size is too coarse, it will be difficult to disperse and compound, which will affect the molding of the product. Medium particle size should be selected and few impurities should be ensured. Second, the expanded graphite should not be humid, and should be stored in a dry and ventilated place. It must be dried before processing. If it absorbs moisture, it is easy to coalesce into a group, and it is difficult to mix evenly in the substrate. And wetness can easily lead to changes in raw materials and reduce flame retardancy.
Third, the temperature during processing should not be too high. The foaming temperature of expanded graphite is low. If the material temperature or mold temperature slightly exceeds the appropriate limit, there is a risk of early expansion, which will make the process difficult to control, the product molding is not beautiful, or even damage the equipment. When compatible, it is necessary to take into account the dispersion of graphite, and to carefully grasp the stirring speed and feeding sequence, step by step, in order to ensure uniform compounding and no agglomeration.
Fourth, the equipment should be made of wear-resistant materials, and regular inspection and maintenance. Expanded graphite particles are sharp, and it is easy to wear parts after long-term operation. Therefore, all departments need to check frequently to prevent process disorders caused by equipment aging. Fifth, choose appropriate additives to assist the flame retardant to be compatible with the matrix, improve the dispersion efficiency, and reduce the negative impact on the physical properties of products, especially plasticizers, coupling agents, etc. are commonly used.
Sixth, the processing environment must be properly dustproof and ventilated. Expanded graphite dust is light and fine, and it is easy to disperse and injure the operator's respiratory tract. It is appropriate to wear labor protective equipment to prevent direct contact with the skin after inhalation. Waste gas after processing should also be disposed of in accordance with environmental protection standards and should not be discharged arbitrarily to avoid damage to the environment.
In short, the application of expanded graphite flame retardants depends on the selection of excellent materials, suitable environment, intact equipment, rigorous craftsmanship, and strict adherence to safety regulations, in order to give full play to its strengths and ensure product quality.