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Will Flame Retardant for Transparent Coatings be affected?
However, when a fire retardant is used in a transparent coating, its transparency will be more or less affected. The transparent coating can show its base color because its component molecules are arranged in an orderly manner and the refractive index is uniform. If a fire retardant is mixed into it, if the fire retardant is not fully compatible with the substrate, or its particle size is too large, it is easy to form a heterogeneous phase in the coating. This heterogeneous phase can scatter incident light, so that the light cannot penetrate the coating directly, resulting in the reduction of the original transparency. And if the fire retardant has color, or impurities are generated after high temperature, it can also mask the base color and cloud the whole. The severity of the effect depends on the chemical properties of the fire retardant used and the compatibility with the coating material. If a fire retardant that is highly compatible with the coating and has a transparent color can be selected, and the particle size can be controlled to be extremely fine, or nano-scale materials can be used, the damage to transparency can be reduced to a minimum. Today, scientists mostly use some organophosphorus-based, low-concentration nitrogen-containing substances, or nano-inorganic substances as fire retardants. These substances are well dispersed, have a small particle size, and are nearly colorless, hardly changing the transparency of the coating. If the process is fine and the addition is appropriate, the performance of the transparent coating can be maintained. However, if the amount of fire retardant required is high, or the preparation is not good, and it is easy to introduce bubbles and impurities, it will become an obstacle, and the transparency will inevitably decline. In general, when using fire retardants and transparent coatings together, it is necessary to consider flame retardancy and light transmission, and weigh the advantages and disadvantages. Gou can carefully select materials, skillfully adjust the ratio, and excite the craftsmanship. The clarity of the transparent coating does not necessarily lose its true color. Of course, it cannot be ignored that fire prevention and transparency are the two ends of the seesaw, and they cannot be greedy. It is appropriate to weigh and choose according to demand.
What types of transparent coatings can Flame Retardant for Transparent Coatings be applied to?
Fire retardants, which are used in transparent coatings, have a wide range. Or for interior decoration, or for electronic devices, or applied to wood, plastic, glass surfaces, do not rely on it to prevent flame attack. Its mechanism is exquisite, does not damage the original transparency, nor does it cause dull color, which is its valuable. There are many types of transparent coatings, which are summarized as follows:
First, water-based transparent coatings. Nowadays, most people use water as a solvent, and paint is applied to walls and utensils to ensure that it is clean and clean. Fire retardants can be mixed in them to make them fireproof without hindering clarity. Such coatings are commonly found in indoor walls and wood protection, especially suitable for public places and residential decoration.
Second, solvent-based transparent coating. Using organic solvents as a carrier, it has good coloring and solid film formation. Mostly used in furniture, floors, artworks and inside and outside offices. If the fire resistor can be compatible with it, it will not affect the film formation, no turbidity, and can make up for the flammable disadvantages of the coating.
Third, silicate-based transparent coating. Mainly inorganic materials, strong weather resistance, not afraid of high temperature. Commonly used for building exterior walls or places that need to be exposed to the sun and rain. The fire resistor is cast into it, and the coating film is firmly combined with the base layer, which is not only transparent but also flame retardant.
Fourth, epoxy transparent coating. It is commonly used for the protection or decoration of metal, concrete and other surfaces, and the film layer formed by it is tough and strong. Adding fire resistance agent can make this layer have the effect of flame retardant and not lose its crystal clear appearance.
Fifth, acrylic transparent coating. Bright color, strong adhesion, often used outdoors. When used in combination with fire resistance agent, it can make architectural exteriors both beautiful and safe.
In terms of its applicability, only the compatibility of fire resistance agent and coating base material is required, so that it will not precipitate, fog, and does not damage transparency. However, its application path is through, and all transparent coatings can be applied. Shi is a reasonable saying, which is sufficient for reference.
How is the amount of Flame Retardant for Transparent Coatings determined?
Determine the amount of flame retardant added to the transparent coating, taking into account the first performance and aesthetics. The purpose of covering the flame retardant is to improve the safety of the paint in case of fire, and the transparent coating is particularly transparent and clear. It must not be added due to the input of flame retardant, which will cause the color to be cloudy and affect the appearance. Therefore, in the ratio, the advantages and disadvantages must be weighed, and the measures taken according to the material cannot be generalized.
There are many types of flame retardants, organic and inorganic are juxtaposed, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, phosphorus, nitrogen, polybrominated compounds, or nano-flame retardants are selected, each with a unique mechanism. The amount of addition depends on the thickness of the target coating, the resin substrate, and the activity of the flame retardant itself. Generally speaking, in order to meet the basic flame retardant standards, such as UL-94 V0 grade, it is often necessary to add 10% -25%. However, if the flame retardant has good dispersion and synergy effect, the dosage can be appropriately reduced.
To detect the combustion performance of the coating, there are methods such as limiting oxygen index method and cone calorimetry. It is recommended to test multiple sets of proportions and increase them in sequence. Observe where the light transmission remains unchanged and the flame retardant is critical. More than one experiment can be concluded. The optimal ratio must be tested repeatedly. For each adjustment, it is advisable to remember detailed data, and carefully consider the combustion inhibition ability, optical transparency, bonding performance, and durability.
The success of the formula lies in coordination. If the particle size of the flame retardant is very small and the dispersion is uniform, the increment can be relaxed, and the loss of transparency is minimal. Otherwise, it is easy to cause the coating to fog or even precipitate. In this case, it is appropriate to change the dispersion method or add surface treatment to enhance compatibility. If necessary, it is supplemented with synergistic agents to reduce the amount of main flame retardant used.
In short, the amount of flame retardant added to transparent coatings is based on the expected fire rating, substrate characteristics, and type of flame retardant. Combined with the transparency test, it is best to choose the best one from shallow to deep. This is the way of chemical formula regulation. Although there are many variables, it is good at experimentation and observation, and it can be achieved by itself.
Does Flame Retardant for Transparent Coatings affect other properties of the coating, such as adhesion or hardness?
Flame retardant agents used in transparent coatings have their advantages, but they may also affect other properties. Cover coatings are originally based on adhesion, hardness, toughness and aesthetics. Now that flame retardant ingredients are added, physical properties must change. Flame retardant materials are mostly divided into inorganic and organic categories. Inorganic ones such as aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide are often added to coatings in the form of fillers. Its particle size is large and poorly dispersed, resulting in a weakening of the microscopic compactness of the coating film. The bonding force between the particles and the substrate is weak, or due to the difference in surface energy, the adhesion is often slightly reduced. If the amount of addition is large, more pores will appear, especially the adhesion loss.
There is also a concern about hardness. The hardness of the coating mainly depends on the crosslinking density of the matrix resin, but the flame retardant is an inert filler, which is easy to interfere with the bonding between the resins. When the content is high, a "weak interface" is formed, and the density of the coating is reduced. If the flame retardant has good compatibility with the resin, the effect is minimal. Otherwise, the film layer is fragile and the hardness is reduced. Some organic flame retardants can be fused with the resin block to improve the flame retardancy without damaging the performance; however, most inorganic types need to be combined with the compatibility agent to maintain the performance.
In addition, if the particle size of the flame retardant is coarse and unevenly distributed, it is also easy to breed pinholes and cracks in the cup. Its defects cause poor appearance and protective performance. Scientific selection, precise control of its amount, and the replacement of traditional particle size with nano-sized particles can slightly alleviate its disadvantages. Experiments have also used coated or reactive flame retardants to bond them with resins to prevent them from migrating and dissipating, and to achieve both flame retardant and durability.
So, transparent coating plus flame retardant, there is a trade-off between performance. If the material is preferred, the formula is appropriate, and the dispersion process is fine, the damage to adhesion and hardness can be reduced to a minimum. If the flame retardant is extreme, other performance losses will be caused. It should be balanced, taking into account safety and practicality, and it is the best policy.
Does Flame Retardant for Transparent Coatings comply with environmental and regulatory requirements?
In today's discussion of flame retardants in transparent coatings, whether they comply with environmental protection and related regulations requires extensive reference to classics and laws. Since the rise of chemical industry, flame retardants are necessary to improve material safety, but they may have potential concerns for the environment and human health. In recent years, countries have paid more and more attention to green development, energy conservation and emission reduction, so they have formulated strict regulations on the use and discharge of chemicals. China's Regulations on Registration and Evaluation of Chemicals, the European Union's REACH Regulations, and the US Toxic Substances Control Act are all based on the protection of ecology and human beings, and strictly control harmful substances.
Flame retardants for transparent coatings, if they are halogen-free and non-toxic new materials, such as phosphorus-nitrogen series or silicones, tend to have little impact on the environment, and their decomposition products are less harmful to soil and water bodies, and can mostly meet the inspection standards of current environmental protection regulations. And if they contain traditional organic halides such as polybrominated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers, they have been banned or restricted by many countries. Because of their durability, they are easy to accumulate in organisms and damage ecosystems, and are internationally recognized as persistent organic pollutants.
In light of current regulations, producers must clarify the composition of raw materials when preparing transparent coating flame retardants, and prohibit various high-risk prohibited substances; at the same time, they must pass a number of environmental tests such as ecotoxicology, degradability and migration. Before the product goes on the market, it is also necessary to obtain relevant certifications, such as China Environmental Label, European Union CE, ROHS, REACH compliance declaration, etc. Only in this way can we ensure that the flame retardants used are environmentally friendly and safe to human health.
Overall, the compliance of transparent coating flame retardants depends on the strict green innovation and management of the formula. If we can adapt to local conditions, use new flame retardant materials with low toxicity and easy degradation, and strictly abide by laws and regulations, and pay attention to testing, we can not only meet the needs of safety, but also comply with the general meaning of environmental protection in the times. It is advisable for the industry to bow to the self-inspection point and not dare or relax, and laws and regulations should also keep pace with the times to stimulate technological progress to achieve the harmonious coexistence of material safety and the environment.