Clariant Highlights Multi-Faceted Growth Strategy for Non-Halogenated FRs at NPE 2012

Clariant Corporation Apr 05, 2012

Undertakes Phase 3 of ExolitÂ® OP capacity expansion

Launches new ExolitÂ® EP grades for epoxies

Partners with pinfa to establish North American chapter

Orlando, Fla. - Here at NPE 2012, Booth #21059, Clariant is showcasing the latest achievements in its multi-pronged strategy to encourage expanded use of environmentally responsible non-halogenated flame retardants (FR) across the plastics industry. The company recently announced Phase 3 of a capacity expansion for Exolit OP non-halogenated flame retardants for thermoplastics. It also just introduced two new reactive Exolit EP grades for thermosetting epoxy resins. Further, the company is hosting the Phosphorus, Inorganic and Nitrogen Flame Retardants Association (pinfa) at its booth to educate NPE attendees about the new North American chapter, pinfa NA, that Clariant helped launch in January 2012.

"The accelerating trend to replace halogenated flame retardants with flame retardants that improve the environmental and health profile is being felt across key industries, particularly consumer electronics and electrical equipment," said Timothy Reilly, Clariant senior technical sales representative. "Through our own initiatives and our partnership with pinfa, Clariant is taking a leadership role in supporting wider adoption of non-halogenated chemistries worldwide. We are also investing in R&D to provide customers with a larger portfolio of Exolit grades to meet new requirements, and are ramping up production to triple our capacity. We are working hard to expand the new pinfa chapter in North America to benefit manufacturers and customers, as well."

Expanding Exolit Capacity and Portfolio to Meet Global Demand
Clariant is in the midst of a phased capacity expansion for its Exolit OP grades that will ultimately provide a three-fold increase from baseline. The company added extra capacity to its commercial plant at Hurth-Knapsack in Germany in 2011, and a second industrial-scale unit (Phase 2) at the site is due to come on stream in 2012. Finally, the third production unit - scheduled for 2013 - will complete the facility expansion.

Exolit non-halogenated flame retardants enable manufacturers to comply with global environmental regulations, including the EU's Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive, as well as leading eco labels.

Clariant offers a full portfolio of Exolit grades for different types of resins and applications.

Exolit OP non-halogenated flame retardants for thermoplastics have a favorable environmental and health profile. Their proprietary organophosphinate formulation contains no red phosphorus or heavy metals. In applications such as glass-filled polyamides, these FR additives enable the use of lower loadings to reduce impact on physical properties. These grades can be used to make compounds of low density with outstanding electrical properties. Exolit OP grades can be used in glass-filled polyamides, polyesters, polyphenylene ethers, and certain thermoplastic elastomers.

Two new Exolit EP grades were introduced in March 2012. Exolit EP 150 (liquid) and EP 200 (solid) are reactive phosphorus-based products for epoxy thermosets and laminates that provide highly effective flame retardancy at low dosage levels. They have unmatched high phosphorus contents of 25 and 29 percent, respectively, which enable use of a low level to achieve the desired protection effect. This performance is proven in electrical and electronics applications, where UL 94 V0 fire ratings can be achieved at a loading of only 50 percent of conventional flame retardants. These new grades are aimed at electronic, transportation and construction applications.

Exolit AP grades for polyolefins, including polypropylene and polyethylene, are based on ammonium polyphosphate chemistry. Compared to halogenated flame retardants, the Exolit AP product family is characterized by low smoke density and peak heat release rates thereby allowing people a better chance to escape in the event of a fire. Additionally, the lower smoke corrosivity can avoid severe damage of electrical components located near the fire source.

Supporting Continuous Improvement

Clariant is taking a leadership role in expanding the educational and collaborative efforts of pinfa beyond Europe to include North American makers and users of non-halogenated flame retardants. The new pinfa NA chapter - whose current members include FRX Polymers, Nalbatec, Clariant, Network Polymers, and PolyOne - is focused on continuous improvement of the environmental and health profile of FR products, including scientific inquiry and dialog with government and non-government agencies, industry associations and consumer groups.

Clariant undertakes Phase 3 of ExolitÂ® OP capacity expansion and launches new ExolitÂ® EP grades for epoxies. (Photo: Clariant)
Exolit is a registered trademark of Clariant.

news.clariant.com

Clariant is an internationally active specialty chemical company, based in Muttenz near Basel. The group owns over 100 companies worldwide and employed 22 149 employees on December 31, 2011. In the financial year 2011, Clariant produced a turnover of CHF 7.4 billion. Clariant is divided into eleven business units: Additives; Catalysis & Energy; Emulsions, Detergents & Intermediates; Functional Materials; Industrial & Consumer Specialties; Leather Services; Masterbatches; Oil & Mining Services; Paper Specialties; Pigments; Textile Chemicals.

Clariant focuses on creating value by investing in future profitable and sustainable growth, which is based on four strategic pillars: Improving profitability, innovation as well as research and development, dynamic growth in emerging markets, and optimizing the portfolio through complementary acquisitions or divestments.

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