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Blending Multiple Huber Flame Retardants and Smoke Suppressants
Compounders have an array of product choices when selecting specific flame retardant and smoke suppressant grades, and the selection depends on the specific flame spread or smoke generation test methods required for the application.
In some cases, a blend of Alumina Trihydrate (ATH) and Magnesium Hydroxide (MDH) can assist in passing some flame spread tests because of the different temperatures at which ATH and MDH decompose to generate water molecules.
Typical Physical Property Comparison of Alumina Trihydrate (ATH) and Magnesium Hydroxide (MDH)
| Property |
ATH |
MDH |
| Physical Form |
Powder |
Powder |
| Particle morphology |
Hexagonal platelet |
Hexagonal platelet |
| Color |
White |
White |
| Specific gravity g/cm3 |
2.42 |
2.36 |
| pH value |
9 - 10 |
10 - 11 |
| Mohs hardness |
2.5 - 3.5 |
2.0 - 3.0 |
| Refractive index |
1.57 |
1.58 |
| Decomposition temperature |
220oC / 428oF |
330oC / 626oF |
| Heat of decomposition, cal/g |
280 |
328 |
| Theoretical loss of ignition |
34.6% |
31.0% |
Decomposition temperature of ATH and MDH:
ATH + heat -> Al2O3 + Water 220ºC
MDH + heat -> MgO + Water 330ºC
Today when compounders are trying to find environmentally-friendly replacements for antimony oxide and halogenated additives, Kemgard® flame retardants and smoke suppressants work well with both ATH and MDH to help achieve your target levels of flame retardance and smoke suppression.
Huber's Techology Center in Fairmount, Georgia (U.S.), is staffed with knowledgeable scientists who are available to assist you with your formulating questions. Click Here and Contact Us to get more information.