Number

061-EN

Section

General Section

Use

Abstract

The substitution originates from a patent registration filed in 2006 concerning the substitution of different halogenated polymers used as flame retardants with non-halogen thermoplastics with cork as a fire retardant filler. By mixing in cork in the composition the heat release rate for the polymers decreased significantly, resulting in a more flame resistant material.

Substituted substances

Alternative Substances

Reliability of information

Evidence of assessment: there is evidence of an official (positive) assessment of the substitution
Internet information: data are from an internet document and only a basic and partial evaluation could be performed

Reason substitution

other toxic effects

Other type of alternative

In the production of the thermoplastic the polymer is mixed with cork in different concentrations, preferably ranging from 10-30% by weight. The cork is used as a fire retardant filler. A second fire retardant filler is then used, preferably one containing phosphorus. Examples of advantageous secondary fire retardants fillers are organic or inorganic phosphates, antimony containing compounds, metallic hydroxides or boron based compounds. The composition should also include at least one kind of additive. Suitable additives are pigments, antioxidants or ultraviolet stabilizers.

Hazard Assessment

Several of the most common halogenated flame retardants are associated with severe environmental effects. Especially persistent, bio accumulating and toxic effects have been reported. Substances to be substituted: DecaBDE is a Substance of very high concern and is included on the REACH candidate list for authorization, according to Article 59 of Regulation (EG) No. 1907/2006(REACH Regulation). It also fulfils the criteria to be listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC). Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) is a Substance of very high concern and is included on the REACH candidate list for authorization, according to Article 59 of Regulation (EG) No. 1907/2006(REACH Regulation). It also fulfils the criteria to be listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC). Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A), according to the IARC Monographs. It fulfils the criteria to be listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC). Alternative substance: Cork is a natural product and is not listed in the SUBSPORTplus Database and has no harmonised classification according to Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation). All polymers listed under "alternative substances" are not listed in the SUBSPORTplus Database and have no harmonised classification according to Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation). » Check the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC)

Description of Substitution

The substitution covered in this case study is based on a patent document which describes the invention of an inherently fire resistant composition for use in power or telecommunications cables. The term ‘inherently resistant’ means that several harmful flame retardants presently used to render polymers fire resistant can be avoided. The thermoplastic composition consists of a thermoplastic filler and cork, which acts as a filler. In the production of the thermoplastic the polymer is mixed with cork in different concentrations, preferably ranging from 10 to 30% by weight. The thermoplastic can be chosen from several different kinds of polymers including polypropylene, ethyl-vinyl-acetate (EVA), polyetherimide and polyethylene. A second fire retardant filler is then used, preferably one containing phosphorus. Examples of advantageous secondary fire retardants fillers are organic or inorganic phosphates, antimony containing compounds, metallic hydroxides or boron based compounds. The composition should also include at least one kind of additive. Suitable additives are pigments, antioxidants or ultraviolet stabilisers. Complete compositions as well as test data of their fire retardant properties are attached to the original document. The advantage of the substitution is that the alternative is relatively cheap and efficient as compared to halogenated flame retardants, which are associated with severe environmental effects.

Case/substitution evaluation

Halogenated flame retardants are a cause for concern and alternatives are needed. This alternative would be a good substitute considering that none of the compounds in the formulation seem to be associated with any risk phrases. There is however an uncertainty regarding the second fire retardant which is not specified in the document. Also, the document is a patent registration which makes it hard to assess how the product has functioned in use by a consumer.

State of implementation

Pilot study

Date and place of implementation

France

Enterprise using the alternative

The example come from a French patent registration. Publication number: US 2006/0273289 A1. Publication date: December 7, 2006 The rights to this product is currently owned by the cables and cabling system company Nexans. More information is available from the company´s website: www.nexans.com

Availability ofAlternative

The compounds, polymers, cork and secondary flame retardant fillers are available at the market.

Producer/Provider

www.nexans.com

Type of information supplier

Producer / distributor

Contact

Swedish Patent and Registration office www.prv.se

Type of publication and availability

Freely available

Publication source: author, company, institute, year

Swedish Patent and Registration office www.prv.se

Date, reviewed

December 11, 2020