Ecopiren as ATH replacement

Mineral fillers like aluminum trihydrate (ATH) and magnesium hydroxide (MDH) are often used in LSZH (low smoke zero halogen) formulations to provide flame retardant (FR) properties in products for a variety of end use applications. In many of these applications, Ecopiren® is the best choice.

For example, Ecopiren® is used as flame retardant in compositions of cable sheaths or wire insulation and bedding.

Ecopiren® is a white powder of magnesium hydroxide which is used in compositions with other components such as polymers, coupling agents, lubricants, colorants and stabilizers.

Ecopiren® advantages over ATH

Magnesium Hydroxide has higher decomposition temperature and greater heat absorption:

Product	Decomposition Temperature	Energy of Decomposition
Aluminum Trihydrate, Al(HO)3	180°C	1100 J/g
Magnesium Hydroxide, Mg(OH)₂	330°C	1250 J/g

Higher energy of decomposition causes a more intense cooling of composition or polymeric base under conditions of pyrolysis or burning. High decomposition temperature also means that in compositions with Ecopiren® higher processing temperatures can be used comparing to compositions with ATH. This is a great advantage and could mean saving of manufacturing costs for cable manufacturers.

Evaluation of characteristics of Ecopiren® and ATH

Below is a simple study showing LOI (Oxygen Index) flammability and cone calorimeter PHRR (peak heat release rate) test results on Ecopiren® and ATH. In this study, ATH and Ecopiren® were each evaluated separately in the same formulation. Two formulations incorporating blends of ATH and Ecopiren® were also evaluated. For more information please contact ourtechnical product team via web-form or by phone.

Components	Ecopiren®	ATH	Blend 1:1	Blend 3:1
EVA, (19%)	27.6	27.6	27.6	27.6
LLDPE	8	8	8	8
Malinic angidrate couplinc agent	4	4	4	4
Antioxidante	0.4	0.4	0.4	0.4
Ecopiren® 3.5С	60	-	30	44
ATH	-	60	30	16
LOI (% О2)	33	33	33	33
Temperature index	219	257	201	186