Neat PC/ABS, polymer + anti-dripping agent PTFE, polymer + PTFE + 10% loading of six different aryl phosphate PIN FRs (TPP, CDP, RDP, BTPP, BTP, Sol-DP) were tested for fire performance, smoke emission and smoke toxicity as per EN 45545-2. Neat PC/ABS emitted toxic smoke, with hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide. The aryl phosphates had varying impacts on maximum smoke density (Ssmax), from -2% to +36%. All of the aryl phosphates significantly increased emissions of CO and HCN (up to +60% and +40% respectively). The aryl phosphates were effective in reducing the fire hazard by preventing flame spread, reducing heat emission and increasing time to ignition. The authors conclude that the varying effects of the different aryl phosphate PIN FRs on smoke and toxic gas emission depends on the balance between solid phase (char formation) and gas phase effects.
“Effect of aryl phosphates on toxicity of combustion gases of flame-retardant polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene blends according to EN 45545 railway standard”, A. Sánchez, S. Villanueva, Fire and Materials. 2022;1–11, https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/fam.3062