Exolit® OP 560 low-emission, non-halogenated flame retardant for polyurethanes

Exolit® OP 560 is a phosphorus-based flame retardant that allows meeting stringent emission and migration requirements, because it becomes an integral part of the polyrethane polymer by chemical reaction. Furthermore, stringent fire safety standards such as the FMVSS 302 (SE), BS 5852 (Crib 5), FAR 25.853 appendix F, part II and more can be passed.

Exolit® OP 560 non-halogenated flame retardant is safer and a more sustainable alternative to volatile and scrutinized flame retardants such as halogenated and non-halogenated phosphate esters (e. g. TCPP1). Exolit OP 560 is a reactive flame retardant which chemically binds into the polymeric matrix, effectively preventing unwanted migration from the foam. It is an excellent choice for upholstering anything from car seats to padded doors, headliners and panels. Lower fogging and volatile organic carbon (VOC)2 values can be achieved which meet stringent emission standards for PUR flexible foams in the automotive industry.

Furthermore, due to regulatory scrutiny several phosphate esters might be banned from usage in various products in the near future.3 Being a non-hazardous, liquid, non-halogenated phosphorus polyol, Exolit® OP 560 poses no additional risk to health and environment, and does not contribute to harmful VOC emissions.

The Exolit® product family was the pioneer in non-halogenated flame retardants that could withstand the demanding requirements of different high end segments for plastics.

Formulations containing Exolit OP 560 and special synergists for seating, mattress and packaging applications have been developed and subjected to extensive FR testing. Foams can meet stringent FR requirements for applications such as upholstery & furniture, aviation and marine. Disclosure of proprietary formulations and joint development projects are in principle possible under respective confidentiality agreements.

Exolit OP 560 has been confirmed as »an alternative anticipated to be safer for use in upholstered polyurethane foam« by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U. S. EPA).4

1 Tris(1-chloro-2-propyl)phosphate

2 See e. g. in China (GB/T 27630-201X)

3See e. g. GADS list, http://www.gadsl.org/, or CORAP list, https://echa.europa.eu/information-on-chemicals/evaluation/community-rolling-action-plan/

4 See EPA’s Design for the Environment Program, »Flame Retardants Used in Flexible Polyurethane Foam: An Alternatives Assessment Update« (August 2015, EPA 744-R-15-002), https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-08/documents/ffr_final.pdf.

TCPP (Tris(1-chloro-2-propyl)phosphate) CAS No. 13674-84-5; TCEP (Tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate) CAS No. 115-96-8; TDCPP (Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate) CAS No. 13674-87-8; DecaBDE (Decabromodiphenyl ether) CAS No. 1163-19-5