In most cases polymers initiate or propagate fires because

Polybutylene terephthalate, otherwise known as PBT plastic is a semi crystalline thermoplastic within the polyester family of polymers. Like other polyesters, PBT polymer is particularly suited for applications in the food industry because of its excellent resistance to chlorine and caustic cleaning solutions. In most cases polymers initiate or propagate fires because, being organic compounds, they decompose to volatile combustible products when they are exposed to heat.PBT polyester material is also characterised by high strength, rigidity and thermal deformation resistance, as well as very high dimensional stability and a low tendency to creep. Furthermore, PBT polymers, like all polyesters, have very good friction and wear properties. Compared to PET polyester, PBT has a better impact strength, particularly at low temperatures. Because of this characteristic, PBT is significantly easier to modify with fibres than PET, and is therefore also generally available as a fibre reinforced product.Alumina Trihydrate (ATH) and Boehmite (AMH) halogen-free flame retardant & smoke suppressant fillers for plastics, rubber and specialty applications.

Non-toxic, non-corrosive Alumina Trihydrate (ATH) and Boehmite (AMH) flame retardant and smoke suppressant fillers function on the principal of heat- activated decomposition into aluminum oxide and water. During fire conditions, water vapor is released via an endothermic reaction which acts to cool the surface and displace oxygen required for burning. The resulting aluminum oxide char barrier further hinders combustion and reduces smoke density.

Alumina Trihydrate is the most widely used and increasingly important, environmentally friendly flame retardant in the market. Thermal decomposition occurs at about 200°C, making it suitable for a broad range of plastics and rubber applications. Specialty low viscosity ATH is available for meeting the most stringent performance requirements for a variety of composite processes, substituting halogenated flame retardants. For higher temperature polymers or processing conditions, boehmite is thermally stable to > 300°C and offers excellent mechanical properties, high heat capacity and good resin compatibility.Some high performance plastics can be classified as flame resistant plastic, flame retardant plastic, non flammable plastic or inherently self extinguishing, making them suitable for use where fire protection is an issue. Thermoplastic materials in general are not properly flameproof in the real sense of the term because if exposed to direct flame they will start to burn. But while most plastics will continue to burn once the flame is removed, self extinguishing plastics will cease to burn in the absence of flame. There are various standards which classify the flammability of plastics.