Reactive vs Additive Flame Retardants: How to Choose
Antimony Trioxide (ATO) as a Flame Retardant Synergist: Ratios and Best Practice
Styrenics: ABS and HIPS
ABS and HIPS are common in electronics housings and appliances where a UL 94 V-0 or V-2 rating is required. DBDPE, TBBPA and brominated epoxy oligomers are the usual choices, dosed with antimony trioxide at a DBDPE:ATO ratio around 3:1 to 4:1.
Engineering plastics
For PBT and polyamide (PA6, PA66), high thermal stability matters because processing temperatures exceed 260 C. DBDPE and BT-93W are well suited here. Glass-reinforced grades often need higher loadings and careful dispersion to preserve the wick effect behaviour under UL 94.
Reaching UL 94 V-0
Flame retardancy depends on total bromine delivered to the flame zone and on the synergist. For a V-0 target, start near 12-18% flame retardant plus 4-6% antimony trioxide, then optimise for mechanical and electrical properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What flame retardant is best for ABS?
DBDPE and TBBPA, used with antimony trioxide, are the most common brominated flame retardants for ABS and HIPS.
What loading reaches UL 94 V-0 in styrenics?
A starting point is about 12-18% brominated flame retardant with 4-6% antimony trioxide, then fine-tuned for the specific grade.
Need a quotation or technical data sheet?
Shandong Haiwang Chemical supplies brominated flame retardants, antimony trioxide and oilfield bromides worldwide. Tell us your product, grade, quantity and destination port and our team will reply quickly. Visit our products page or contact us — email mikeyang@haiwangchemical.com.