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3M™ Flame Retardant Additive FR-2025: Enhancing Safety and Clarity in Polycarbonate Applications


3M™ Flame Retardant Additive FR-2025 represents a groundbreaking advancement in flame retardant technology tailored specifically for polycarbonate materials. This additive offers numerous benefits, from maintaining the optical clarity of polycarbonate to providing robust flame retardant properties, making it an invaluable component in a wide array of applications.

3M™ Flame Retardant Additive FR-2025 offers a robust and innovative solution for enhancing the fire safety of polycarbonate materials without compromising on optical clarity. Its non-halogenated composition, combined with its thermal and chemical stability, positions it as a forward-thinking choice for manufacturers aiming to meet stringent fire safety standards while maintaining the aesthetic and functional qualities of their products. As safety regulations and consumer expectations continue to evolve, FR-2025 stands out as an exemplary additive that addresses both current needs and future demands

Transparent polycarbonate is a highly versatile, lightweight, and durable plastic known for its excellent optical clarity and impact resistance. Its transparency allows for clear visibility, making it ideal for applications such as eyewear lenses, electronic displays, and protective barriers. Flame retardancy is crucial in transparent polycarbonate to enhance safety by preventing the material from igniting and spreading fire. This is particularly important in industries like electronics, automotive, and construction, where fire hazards can pose significant risks. Using flame retardant additives like 3M™ Flame Retardant Additive FR-2025 ensures that polycarbonate retains its transparency while meeting stringent fire safety standards, protecting both people and property.

Non-Halogenated Safety

One of the most notable features of FR-2025 is its non-halogenated composition. Traditional flame retardants often contain bromine or chlorine, which can pose environmental and health risks. In contrast, FR-2025 is composed of 100% Potassium Perfluorobutane sulfonate. This non-brominated and non-chlorinated composition makes FR-2025 a safer alternative, addressing growing regulatory and consumer demands for environmentally friendly and health-conscious materials.

Thermal and Chemical Stability

FR-2025 exhibits remarkable thermal and chemical stability, withstanding temperatures up to 450°C. This high level of stability ensures that the additive performs reliably under extreme processing conditions, making it suitable for various high-performance applications. Its stability also contributes to the longevity and durability of the end products, enhancing their overall safety and performance.

Synergistic and Standalone Performance

The additive is often used synergistically with fibrillating PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) to achieve a V-0 rating in the UL 94 flammability test. This rating indicates that the material stops burning within 10 seconds after the flame source is removed, without dripping flaming particles. Achieving this rating is crucial for applications in electronics and other industries where fire safety is paramount.

Remarkably, FR-2025 has also been found to be effective as a standalone flame retardant, eliminating the need for additional synergists. This simplifies the formulation process and can reduce overall costs, making FR-2025 an efficient and economical choice for manufacturers.

Optimal Incorporation Method

For the most effective incorporation of FR-2025 into polycarbonate, it is recommended to initially disperse the additive into a masterbatch at a concentration of 10% or higher. This masterbatch is then compounded into the final plastic blend. This method ensures uniform distribution of the flame retardant throughout the polycarbonate matrix, optimizing its performance and maintaining the material's desired properties, such as optical clarity and mechanical strength.

Applications and Industry Relevance

FR-2025 is primarily used as a flame retardant additive for optically clear polycarbonate. Its ability to maintain transparency while providing fire safety makes it ideal for applications where both visual aesthetics and safety are critical. This includes the manufacturing of electronic components, where clear, flame-retardant polycarbonate is essential for housings, covers, and other parts.

The additive's versatility extends to various industries, including electronics, automotive, and construction. In electronics, FR-2025 enhances the safety of devices by reducing the risk of fire, while in the automotive and construction industries, it contributes to the development of safer, high-performance materials.


Product Specifications

The following table provides a comprehensive overview of the product specifications for 3M™ Flame Retardant Additive FR-2025

Specification Details
Composition 100% Potassium Perfluorobutane sulfonate
Viscosity Solid
Net Weight (Metric)) 5.001 kg
Volume (Imperial) 2.0 gallons
Volume (Imperial) 2.0 gallons
Volume (Metric) 7.57 L
Industries Electronics
Product Type Flame Retardant
Factory ISO Certification No ISO Certification information available

3M™ Flame Retardant Additive FR-2025 offers a robust and innovative solution for enhancing the fire safety of polycarbonate materials without compromising on optical clarity. Its non-halogenated composition, combined with its thermal and chemical stability, positions it as a forward-thinking choice for manufacturers aiming to meet stringent fire safety standards while maintaining the aesthetic and functional qualities of their products. As safety regulations and consumer expectations continue to evolve, FR-2025 stands out as an exemplary additive that addresses both current needs and future demands.

  • Product Type: Flame Retardant Additive