Flame retardant - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 07:27, 27 October 2025

2025-10-27T07:27:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:27, 27 October 2025
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	* Fire retardant.		* Fire retardant.
	* Fire suppression.		* Fire suppression.
		+	* Flame proof.
	* Flammable building materials.		* Flammable building materials.
	* Halogenated flame retardants.		* Halogenated flame retardants.
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	* Legislation.gov.uk, [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1988/1324/contents/made The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988].		* Legislation.gov.uk, [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1988/1324/contents/made The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988].

−	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Products_/_components]] [[Category:Building_safety]]

Designing Buildings at 07:23, 27 October 2025

2025-10-27T07:23:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:23, 27 October 2025
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	The early flame retardants, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), are considered toxic and have been banned in many parts of the world. Manufacturers switched to other types of flame retardants, but these have also raised concerns with regard to handling during the production process (or other high exposure levels) and environmentally safe end of life procedures.		The early flame retardants, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), are considered toxic and have been banned in many parts of the world. Manufacturers switched to other types of flame retardants, but these have also raised concerns with regard to handling during the production process (or other high exposure levels) and environmentally safe end of life procedures.

−	= Related articles on Designing Buildings ~~Wiki~~ =	+	NB [https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg168.pdf Fire safety in construction], written by HSE and Published by TSO (The Stationery Office), Third Edition, 2022, suggests that the terms fire-retardant, flame-retardant, fire-proof and flame-proof: ‘…are used to describe materials that do not burn particularly well. When they are used to describe sheet materials, it normally means that a fire will not be any worse if they are present – although they will typically burn or melt away if they are close to an existing fire. When these terms are used to describe treatments applied to materials, they normally mean that it takes a longer time and/or a larger fire to make them burn, and that when they are on fire the flames spread more slowly. Often, they are tested for effectiveness only in small fires, and may not perform as well if exposed to a larger fire.’
		+
		+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

	* Fire extinguisher.		* Fire extinguisher.

Editor at 08:55, 8 December 2023

2023-12-08T08:55:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:55, 8 December 2023
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	By incorporating a reactive flame retardant into a material through a chemical reaction, the retardant becomes a new material that is inherently protected against fire. It is no longer a separate material and is permanently part of the material it has been used to treat.		By incorporating a reactive flame retardant into a material through a chemical reaction, the retardant becomes a new material that is inherently protected against fire. It is no longer a separate material and is permanently part of the material it has been used to treat.

−	In the case of additive flame retardants, these materials are physically mixed into the materials they are used to treat.	+	In the case of additive flame retardants, these materials are physically mixed into the materials they are used to treat, these are often referred to as fire retardant additives or FRAs. The FRA inhibits the early stages of fire development, as such the classification of such a material with the FRA included is often better, such as Euroclass E.

	= Flame retardant classifications =		= Flame retardant classifications =

Editor at 16:12, 6 August 2021

2021-08-06T16:12:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:12, 6 August 2021
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	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

−	Flame retardant is a term used to describe an action. The term is not applied to a specific chemical (or group of chemicals) since there are many different types of flame retardant, used on different manufactured materials to prevent or slow the spread of flames caused by fire.	+	Flame retardant is a term used to describe an action. The term is not applied to a specific chemical (or group of chemicals) since there are many different types of flame retardant used on different manufactured materials to prevent or slow the spread of flames caused by fire.
		+
		+	See Fire suppression.

	These treatments are typically added to plastics, textiles, foams, insulation, electronics, timber and so on as finishes and coatings. They are activated by a source of ignition such as a spark. They stop sparks from becoming larger fires by launching a physical or chemical reaction that controls the spread of flames. Ideally, this reduces the chances of a fire starting or delays its spread.		These treatments are typically added to plastics, textiles, foams, insulation, electronics, timber and so on as finishes and coatings. They are activated by a source of ignition such as a spark. They stop sparks from becoming larger fires by launching a physical or chemical reaction that controls the spread of flames. Ideally, this reduces the chances of a fire starting or delays its spread.
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	* Fire extinguisher.		* Fire extinguisher.
	* Fire retardant.		* Fire retardant.
		+	* Fire suppression.
	* Flammable building materials.		* Flammable building materials.
	* Halogenated flame retardants.		* Halogenated flame retardants.

Editor at 19:44, 25 September 2020

2020-09-25T19:44:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:44, 25 September 2020
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	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

		+	* Fire extinguisher.
	* Fire retardant.		* Fire retardant.
	* Flammable building materials.		* Flammable building materials.

Editor at 09:18, 4 September 2020

2020-09-04T09:18:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:18, 4 September 2020
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	= Health and safety controversies =		= Health and safety controversies =

−	The early flame retardants, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are considered toxic and have been banned in many parts of the world. Manufacturers switched to other types of flame retardants, but these have also raised concerns with regard to handling during the production process (or other high exposure levels) and environmentally safe end of life procedures.	+	The early flame retardants, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), are considered toxic and have been banned in many parts of the world. Manufacturers switched to other types of flame retardants, but these have also raised concerns with regard to handling during the production process (or other high exposure levels) and environmentally safe end of life procedures.

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

Designing Buildings at 07:44, 3 September 2020

2020-09-03T07:44:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:44, 3 September 2020
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	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

−	Flame retardant is a term used to describe an action. The term is not applied to a specific chemical (or group of chemicals) since there are many different types of flame retardant ~~chemicals. Different types are~~ used on different manufactured materials to prevent or slow the spread of flames caused by fire.	+	Flame retardant is a term used to describe an action. The term is not applied to a specific chemical (or group of chemicals) since there are many different types of flame retardant, used on different manufactured materials to prevent or slow the spread of flames caused by fire.

−	These treatments are typically added to ~~plastic products~~, textiles, foams~~, building products~~, insulation, electronics ~~or wood~~ as ~~topical~~ finishes and coatings. ~~They can also be incorporated directly into industrial and consumer products during the manufacturing process.~~	+	These treatments are typically added to plastics, textiles, foams, insulation, electronics, timber and so on as finishes and coatings. They are activated by a source of ignition such as a spark. They stop sparks from becoming larger fires by launching a physical or chemical reaction that controls the spread of flames. Ideally, this reduces the chances of a fire starting or delays its spread.
−		+
−	They are activated by a source of ignition such as a spark. They stop sparks from becoming larger fires by launching a physical or chemical reaction that controls the spread of flames. Ideally, this reduces the chances of a fire starting or delays its spread.	+

	= History =		= History =
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	Flame retardants can be chemically transformed to create a new fire resistant material (reactive) or physically incorporated into a material (additive).		Flame retardants can be chemically transformed to create a new fire resistant material (reactive) or physically incorporated into a material (additive).

−	By incorporating ~~the~~ reactive flame retardant into ~~the~~ material through a chemical reaction, the retardant becomes a new material that is inherently protected against fire. It is no longer a separate material and is permanently part of the material it has been used to treat.	+	By incorporating a reactive flame retardant into a material through a chemical reaction, the retardant becomes a new material that is inherently protected against fire. It is no longer a separate material and is permanently part of the material it has been used to treat.

	In the case of additive flame retardants, these materials are physically mixed into the materials they are used to treat.		In the case of additive flame retardants, these materials are physically mixed into the materials they are used to treat.
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	The most common flame retardant classes include:		The most common flame retardant classes include:

−	* Halogenated (compounds that include a halogen such as chlorine, bromine, fluorine)	+	* Halogenated (compounds that include a halogen such as chlorine, bromine, fluorine).
−	* Phosphorous-based	+	* Phosphorous-based.
−	* Nitrogen-based	+	* Nitrogen-based.
−	* Inorganic and mineral compounds	+	* Inorganic and mineral compounds.

	= Fire retardant or flame retardant? =		= Fire retardant or flame retardant? =
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	Modern fire retardants and flame retardants have similar purposes - to control fires - but they achieve this by different methods:		Modern fire retardants and flame retardants have similar purposes - to control fires - but they achieve this by different methods:

−	Flame retardants are chemicals that are usually applied to combustible ~~material~~.	+	Flame retardants are chemicals that are usually applied to combustible materials.
		+
		+	Fire retardants can also be used on surfaces, but they are primarily extinguishers that absorb a great deal of heat to cool whatever has been treated. Other agents can react with the heat to put out the fire by releasing water vapour or carbon dioxide through a process called dilution.

−	Fire retardants are chemicals that can also be used on surfaces, but they are primarily used as extinguishers absorb a great deal of heat to cool whatever has been treated. Other agents will react with the heat to put out the fire by releasing water vapour or carbon dioxide through a process called dilution. Other fire retardants are intumescent coatings that rely on substances that will expand through a chemical reaction when heated to protect the materials that have been coated.	+	Other fire retardants are intumescent coatings that rely on substances that will expand through a chemical reaction when heated to protect the materials that have been coated.

	= Health and safety controversies =		= Health and safety controversies =

Editor at 10:41, 2 September 2020

2020-09-02T10:41:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:41, 2 September 2020
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−	[[File:FlameExtinguished.jpg]]	+	[[File:FlameExtinguished.jpg\|link=File:FlameExtinguished.jpg]]

	= Introduction =		= Introduction =
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	Flame retardants are chemicals that are usually applied to combustible material.		Flame retardants are chemicals that are usually applied to combustible material.

−	Fire retardants are chemicals that can also be used on surfaces, but ~~different types of chemicals~~ are ~~used for different purposes. Fire retardants~~ used as extinguishers absorb a great deal of heat to cool whatever has been treated. Other agents will react with the heat to put out the fire by releasing water vapour or carbon dioxide through a process called dilution. Other fire retardants are intumescent coatings that rely on substances that will expand through a chemical reaction when heated to protect the materials that have been coated.	+	Fire retardants are chemicals that can also be used on surfaces, but they are primarily used as extinguishers absorb a great deal of heat to cool whatever has been treated. Other agents will react with the heat to put out the fire by releasing water vapour or carbon dioxide through a process called dilution. Other fire retardants are intumescent coatings that rely on substances that will expand through a chemical reaction when heated to protect the materials that have been coated.

	= Health and safety controversies =		= Health and safety controversies =
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	* Polycarbonate plastic.		* Polycarbonate plastic.
	* Wood and insulation.		* Wood and insulation.
		+
		+	= External resources =
		+
		+	* Legislation.gov.uk, [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1988/1324/contents/made The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988].

	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]		[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

Editor at 17:21, 1 September 2020

2020-09-01T17:21:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:21, 1 September 2020
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		+	[[File:FlameExtinguished.jpg]]
		+
	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

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	These treatments are typically added to plastic products, textiles, foams, building products, insulation, electronics or wood as topical finishes and coatings. They can also be incorporated directly into industrial and consumer products during the manufacturing process.		These treatments are typically added to plastic products, textiles, foams, building products, insulation, electronics or wood as topical finishes and coatings. They can also be incorporated directly into industrial and consumer products during the manufacturing process.

−	They are activated by a source of ignition such as a spark. They stop sparks from becoming larger fires by launching a physical or chemical reaction that controls the spread of flames. Ideally, this reduces the chances of a fire starting or delays its spread.~~<br />~~	+	They are activated by a source of ignition such as a spark. They stop sparks from becoming larger fires by launching a physical or chemical reaction that controls the spread of flames. Ideally, this reduces the chances of a fire starting or delays its spread.
−		+

	= History =		= History =
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	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
		+
		+	* Fire retardant.
		+	* Flammable building materials.
		+	* Halogenated flame retardants.
		+	* Material of limited combustibility.
		+	* Non-combustible material.
		+	* Polycarbonate plastic.
		+	* Wood and insulation.

	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]		[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

Editor: Created page with "= Introduction = Flame retardant is a term used to describe an action. The term is not applied to a specific chemical (or group of chemicals) since there are many different type..."

2020-09-01T17:15:06Z

Created page with "= Introduction = Flame retardant is a term used to describe an action. The term is not applied to a specific chemical (or group of chemicals) since there are many different type..."

New page

= Introduction =

Flame retardant is a term used to describe an action. The term is not applied to a specific chemical (or group of chemicals) since there are many different types of flame retardant chemicals. Different types are used on different manufactured materials to prevent or slow the spread of flames caused by fire.

These treatments are typically added to plastic products, textiles, foams, building products, insulation, electronics or wood as topical finishes and coatings. They can also be incorporated directly into industrial and consumer products during the manufacturing process.

They are activated by a source of ignition such as a spark. They stop sparks from becoming larger fires by launching a physical or chemical reaction that controls the spread of flames. Ideally, this reduces the chances of a fire starting or delays its spread.<br />

= History =

The earliest officially patented form of flame retardant was developed by Obadiah (sometimes referred to as Obadjah) Wyld in 1735. The British inventor mixed alum, ferrous sulfate and borax to create a treatment for fabrics and paper that would prevent the spread of flames.

More effective flame retardants were introduced in the 19th century by Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac, a French chemist who made a number of discoveries based on the idea of temperature and its relationship to gas pressure (Gay-Lussac’s Law or Amontons's law). His use of ammonium phosphate, ammonium chloride and borax as flame retardants was groundbreaking, and his formulation using borates is still the basis for modern treatments.

Advances in the 20th century brought about significant changes in the textile industry with the introduction of synthetic fibres - some with inherent flame or fire resistance characteristics.

Modern flame retardants are manufactured as liquids or solids.They are designed to:

* Prevent or slow the full ignition of a fire.
* Impede combustion.
* Trigger a self-extinguishing reaction.

= Reactive and additive =

Flame retardants can be chemically transformed to create a new fire resistant material (reactive) or physically incorporated into a material (additive).

By incorporating the reactive flame retardant into the material through a chemical reaction, the retardant becomes a new material that is inherently protected against fire. It is no longer a separate material and is permanently part of the material it has been used to treat.

In the case of additive flame retardants, these materials are physically mixed into the materials they are used to treat.

= Flame retardant classifications =

The most common flame retardant classes include:

* Halogenated (compounds that include a halogen such as chlorine, bromine, fluorine)
* Phosphorous-based
* Nitrogen-based
* Inorganic and mineral compounds

= Fire retardant or flame retardant? =

Modern fire retardants and flame retardants have similar purposes - to control fires - but they achieve this by different methods:

Flame retardants are chemicals that are usually applied to combustible material.

Fire retardants are chemicals that can also be used on surfaces, but different types of chemicals are used for different purposes. Fire retardants used as extinguishers absorb a great deal of heat to cool whatever has been treated. Other agents will react with the heat to put out the fire by releasing water vapour or carbon dioxide through a process called dilution. Other fire retardants are intumescent coatings that rely on substances that will expand through a chemical reaction when heated to protect the materials that have been coated.

= Health and safety controversies =

The early flame retardants, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are considered toxic and have been banned in many parts of the world. Manufacturers switched to other types of flame retardants, but these have also raised concerns with regard to handling during the production process (or other high exposure levels) and environmentally safe end of life procedures.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]