Fels Kunststofftechnik (Lichtenau / Germany; www.fels-kunststofftechnik.de) recently launched a new, highly innovative flame-retardant finish called "Felsoflamm" for plastic film and sheeting applications. The new masterbatch range is said to offer the first-ever combination of high flame retardancy and transparency, good weatherability, as well as what the company called “excellent” mechanical properties and environmental friendliness.

Flame-retardant additives alter the mechanical properties of the plastics, Fels said, adding that at times these changes can have a very negative effect, especially in thin-walled parts and film. Traditional flame-retardant treatment often causes problems, which is why the company – specialised in functional process aids as well as colour and additive masterbatches – developed the new Felsoflamm range. While greenhouse film and construction sheeting are the key applications, variants are available for the flame-retardant treatment of profile and injection moulding applications.

The additive is free of halogens and heavy metals, has UV-stabilising properties, is highly transparent and readily recyclable. According to company data, the product complies with the flame retardant standards DIN 4102 B1 and UL94 V0 for PE and PP films.