Japanese carbon fibre and plastics specialist Teijin (Tokyo; www.teijin.co.jp/english) has introduced a phosphorus flame retardant, “Fireguard” FCX-210, for use in a wide range of resins. The halogen-free material has been developed using the company’s proprietary molecular design technology, which lends high flame retardancy to a broad range of plastics widely used in office equipment, electronic appliances, game consoles, and automobile applications. These include styrenic resins such as ABS and PS and PA resins, with which conventional phosphorus flame retardants are less effective.

Teijin said the flame retardant loses no flame resistance when added to resins and does not change the original characteristics of the resin. Additionally, only a relatively small amount is necessary. When used with high impact PS, the amount of retardant required is reduced by 40%.