Flame and Smoke Retardants in Vinyl Chloride Polymers – Commercial Usage and Current Developments

Abstract

The flame and smoke retardance of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is reviewed with emphasis on the chemical additives used to achieve acceptable fire properties in the principal application areas. Particular attention is given to the current ‘state-of-the-art’ of vinyl compounding in regard to the chemicals used. Representative formulations are shown for several of the main applica- tions of PVC.