Non-halogenated flame retardants have emerged as the dominant additive system used in engineering plastics. This is mainly due to new environmental regulations but also due to their ability to meet the end customer requirements without compromising safety. Key fire tests like the UL94 and the glow wire can be passed to the highest safety levels using these additives. Further, unlike traditional halogenated systems they provide a low fume toxicity and density allowing their use in railway and other public transportation systems where ease of escape is a key requirement. High grow potential is expected in various Asian countries with special attention on China and India. In Europe applications are moving east into countries like Poland and Bulgaria, while Russia appears to offer future opportunities. North America has re-emerged as a power in engineering plastics due to the revolution in cheap energy coming from shale gas tracking. This new possibility of cheap energy could change the face of the industry over the coming years and will depend highly on political decisions coming from individual states. While standard electrical protection applications will continue to provide growth it is with new applications that the major growth is expected. LED lighting, photovoltaic parts and both electrical and structural parts in the automotive industry are of particular interest. Non-halogenated flame retardant use shows little sign of slowing down and will continue as the additive of choice for the considerable future.
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