In the construction sector, in the automotive sector and in the electrical industry, biogenic composites have hitherto been closed to many possible uses because they do not meet the statutory requirements for fire protection. This is partly due to the fact that a suitable flame retardancy of biogenic composite materials is difficult and that there are hardly any biogenic flame retardants.
Biogenic Flame Retardants
Against this background, the Institute for Innovation, Transfer and Consulting gGmbH (ITB) and the Bio-Composites And More GmbH (BAM) in cooperation with other companies have set themselves the task of finding biogenic flame retardants and incorporating them into natural fiber-reinforced plastics the highest fire classification for plastics (UL 94 V-0) is met.
As a biogenic flame retardant, the project partners have used a product that is already available on the market, both in powder and in liquid form. Hemp fibers, rye straw and wood flour were used as natural fibers. The thermosetting matrix is based on a linseed oil-based epoxy resin.
Good flame retardancy was achieved after successful encapsulation of the solid flame retardant, but at the same time there was damage to the fibers. The changes in the flame retardant formulation have reduced this damage. Ultimately, the project partners were able to equip a composite of natural fibers and a predominantly biogenic, thermosetting resin system with a biogenic flame retardant. From this semi-finished product, they were able to produce molded parts for fluorescent tubes that meet the legal fire protection requirements.
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