New Nofia W2000 EX Dispersion is Compatibility with Water-Based Polymers

Press Release Summary:

Original Press Release:

FRX Polymers® Announces Development of Nofia® Water-Based Non-Halogenated FR Dispersion for Textile Coatings

CHELMSFORD, Mass., December 15, 2020 – FRX Polymers Inc., the global leader in polymeric halogen-free flame retardant (FR) solutions, has announced the development of Nofia® W2000 EX water-based dispersions for use in the production of low volatile organic compound (VOC) water-based textile coatings including synthetic leathers for automotive interiors, home furnishing, tents and tarpaulins, and fire-proof applications. Nofia® W2000 EX enables these products to meet the most stringent fire safety standards while addressing the unmet need for a robust halogen-free FR solution for water-based coatings.

Coated textiles are utilized in various markets including automotive, aerospace, agricultural, industrial, healthcare, sports, and defense. Textile coatings deliver a range of superior properties including flame retardancy, water proofing, and antimicrobial performance. In the last few years, water-based coatings have grown at a double-digit rate in the textile arena because of their ability to reduce air pollution and exposure to solvents used in solvent-based coatings. An unmet need in water-based coatings has been the ability to offer flame retardancy with a robust halogen-free solution. In response, FRX has developed a water-based version of its industry-leading Nofia FR to the market.

Nofia® W2000 EX Dispersion – currently available for qualification trials - is transparent and has a 60% solid content and less than a 400-nanometer particle size. It has very good compatibility with various water-based polymers including polyurethane dispersions used in textile coatings and synthetic leather applications. When added to PUD coatings, Nofia W2000 EX forms a fully transparent film with low haze and soft touch and feel. 

In halogen-free tents/tarpaulins and fireproof clothing, Nofia® W2000 EX Dispersion does not alter the coating to be seamlessly welded and passes all the high-water pressure resistance tests as well as the jungle humidity test. The resulting products pass stringent flame-retardant tests like CPAI-84 (Canvas Products Association International). This is a stringent specification for FR-resistant tents and is performed after exposing the coated fabric to leaching and accelerated weathering test protocols. Nofia W2000 EX-based coatings also meet ASTM 6413 (vertical burn test for flame resistance of textiles).

In automotive synthetic leathers, Nofia W2000 EX-based coatings meet relevant automotive fire safety standards as well as new total VOC and fogging standards established by major global automotive suppliers as well as the new Chinese GB/T 27630-201X standard.

In home furnishings, Nofia W2000 EX provides a unique halogen-free flame-retardant solution for synthetic leathers used in home furniture, meeting BS 5852 Crib 5 standards while maintaining good touch and feel. 

About FRX Polymers
FRX Polymers, Inc. is the global leader in halogen-free polymeric flame-retardant solutions, marketed under the Nofia® brand name. Nofia polymers and oligomers are inherently transparent, high flowing, and due to their high phosphorus content, are inherently flame retardant. These environmentally friendly FR solutions are targeted for use in electronics, textiles, building and construction, and transportation applications. Founded in 2007, FRX Polymers operates a pilot plant at its headquarters in Chelmsford, Mass. and a full-scale commercial plant in Antwerp, Belgium. For more information about its products, visit http://www.frxpolymers.com.