Our masterbatches make using antimony oxide easier and safer.

While antimony oxide has some disadvantages related to potential health issues, it is an outstanding flame retardant synergist. Years of research by many groups directed towards finding alternate synergists have found nothing that is as effective and as robust as antimony oxide.

Antimony oxide is a fine white powder, produced from the oxidation of antimony metal. It is used as a synergist with halogenated, predominately brominated, organic molecules to impart flame retardant properties to polymers. Halogenated compounds are inherently flame retardant and by themselves are capable of flame retarding polymers.

The use of antimony oxide decreases the amount of halogenated compound required for flame retardant performance. During fire, antimony oxide reacts with the halogenated material in the condensed phase, forming oxyhalides of antimony and antimony trihalide. As these moieties enter the gas phase, they act to quench radicals responsible for the propagation of the combustion process.

The use of masterbatches is the ideal way to incorporate antimony oxide into flame retardant formulations. At PMC Polymer Products, we encapsulate antimony oxide within a polymer masterbatch, resulting in ease of handling, less dust, and minimized exposure.

Antimony is found in nature along with arsenic and lead. As such, antimony oxide contains trace amounts of the oxides of lead and arsenic. At PMC Polymer Products, we use only high-purity grades of antimony oxide that are highly refined and certified to meet industry and regulatory standards related to these impurities.

In addition to a wide range of Endura® flame retardant masterbatch applications, PMC Polymer Products has the unmatched expertise to work with you to develop custom formulations that meet your unique requirements.

Click here to Ask the Expert about your specific flame-retardant needs, or click here to see which Endura® product might best serve you.

Why Masterbatches?

• Improved Properties – Good dispersion is the key to maximum performance from flame-retardant additives. The flame retardant ingredients in our masterbatches are pre-dispersed and thoroughly mixed with the carrier resin. This results in improved flame retardancy and physical properties. In many cases, this results in lower loadings when compared to free powders.

• Cleaner, Improved Material Handling – Using masterbatches rather than dry powders means a cleaner plant with minimal housekeeping effort. Dust exposure is greatly reduced with masterbatches, as material handling is simplified with free- flowing, non-bridging materials that can be transferred easily with pneumatic conveyors.

• More Efficient Production – Masterbatches increase efficiency through higher production rates, less power consumption, higher yields and less abrasion and equipment wear.

• Safer – Using our Flame Retardant Masterbatches eliminates employee exposure hazards associated with some powders and liquids. Your employees can focus on your end product.