Nitrogen Release: When heated, melamine releases non-flammable gases like ammonia, diluting oxygen and suppressing combustion.
Endothermic Decomposition: Absorbs heat during decomposition, reducing the material's temperature and slowing the burning process.
ｃｈａｒ Formation: Helps create a protective ｃｈａｒ layer that acts as a barrier to flames and heat.
Advantages:
Halogen-Free & Eco-Friendly: A safer, non-toxic alternative to halogenated flame retardants.
Low Smoke & Toxicity: Reduces smoke and harmful gas emissions during burning.
Thermal Stability: Can withstand moderate processing temperatures, making it versatile for many applications.
Synergistic Effects: Works well with phosphorus-based or other nitrogen-containing flame retardants for enhanced performance.
Applications:
Plastics & Polymers: Used in polyamides (nylon), polyolefins, and polyurethane foams.
Textiles: Imparts flame resistance to cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics.
Resins & Coatings: Added to epoxy resins, laminates, and powder coatings for improved fire safety.
Construction Materials: Enhances flame resistance in insulation materials, sealants, and adhesives.
Electrical & Electronics: Used in circuit boards, casings, and cable insulation.
Processing Considerations:
Particle Size & Dispersion: Fine particle sizes improve mixing and distribution within the material.
Loading Levels: Typically added at 5–30% depending on the material and desired flame retardancy.
Combining with Other Additives: Melamine is often used with melamine cyanurate, melamine phosphate, or melamine polyphosphate for increased effectiveness.
