Enhancing Fire Safety with Flame-Retardant Additives in Glass-Reinforced Plastic (GRP) Gratings
14/02/2023
Flame-retardant (FR) additives are commonly used in glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) gratings to improve fire resistance. These additives reduce the flammability of the resin used to make the gratings, making them more resistant to ignition, flame spread, and smoke generation.
Here are 10 FR additives commonly used in GRP gratings, along with the reasons for using each:
Aluminium trihydrate (ATH): ATH is a widely used FR additive in GRP gratings due to its low cost, high effectiveness, and ease of handling. It releases water when exposed to heat, which cools down the resin and creates a barrier to the flame.
Antimony trioxide (ATO): ATO is another common FR additive used in GRP gratings. It releases free radicals when exposed to heat, which interferes with the combustion process and reduces the flammability of the resin.
Melamine: Melamine is a nitrogen-based FR additive that releases non-combustible gases when exposed to heat. This creates a barrier to the flame and reduces the risk of ignition.
Red phosphorus: Red phosphorus is a halogen-free FR additive that releases phosphoric acid when exposed to heat, forming a char layer that protects the resin from further degradation.
Zinc borate: Zinc borate is a boron-based FR additive that works by releasing water and carbon dioxide when exposed to heat. This creates a barrier to the flame and reduces the risk of ignition.
Ammonium polyphosphate (APP): APP is a phosphorus-based FR additive that releases phosphoric acid when exposed to heat, forming a char layer that protects the resin from further degradation.
Decabromodiphenyl oxide (DBDPO): DBDPO is a bromine-based FR additive that releases bromine radicals when exposed to heat, which interferes with the combustion process and reduces the flammability of the resin.
Chlorinated paraffin: Chlorinated paraffin is a chlorine-based FR additive that releases hydrochloric acid when exposed to heat, forming a char layer that protects the resin from further degradation.
Magnesium hydroxide: Magnesium hydroxide is a halogen-free FR additive that works by releasing water and carbon dioxide when exposed to heat. This creates a barrier to the flame and reduces the risk of ignition.
Brominated polystyrene (BPS): BPS is a bromine-based FR additive that releases bromine radicals when exposed to heat, which interferes with the combustion process and reduces the flammability of the resin.
In conclusion, using FR additives is crucial in enhancing the fire resistance of GRP gratings. The selection of the appropriate FR additive depends on various factors, such as cost, effectiveness, and environmental impact. Therefore, it is essential to consult with experts and follow recommended industry standards to ensure their safe and safe and effective use in GRP gratings.