FRX Polymers Inc., the global leader in polymeric halogen-free flame retardant solutions, has announced the availability of its Nofia® non-halogenated polyphosphonates for use in UL 94 V-0 high-temperature polyurethane flexible foams for the transportation and electronics industries.

Nofia phosphonate oligomers serve as an excellent flame retardant (FR) and heat stabilizer in polyurethane flexible foam products, enabling them to meet the stringent UL 94 V-0 fire standard, as well as retain strong mechanical performance after severe thermal aging tests performed at 150°C. Key targeted applications include automotive under-the-hood parts, cushion/gaskets for electric vehicle battery packs, noise/vibration/ harshness foams for various transportation parts, and gaskets for electrical and electronics components with UL 94 V-0 requirements.

Nofia flame retardants can be added into the process in both powder form or as a liquid polyol solution, which significantly improves process efficiency and provides a more sustainable solution than the incumbent technologies (i.e., expanded graphite or halogenated flame retardants). “Our unique non-halogenated flame retardants have been proven to provide critical benefits beyond flame retardance across a range of applications,” said Ina Jiang, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for FRX Polymers. “This new use is another example where Nofia polyphosphonates enable groundbreaking performance.”

As part of its development effort, FRX Polymers initially worked with customers who were searching for a replacement of expandable graphite used in a one-shot polyurethane foam process for automotive engine covers. Through close collaboration with its clients, the company has proven that Nofia FR is an outstanding choice which allows fire retardant polyurethane foam to handle higher temperatures, both in terms of peak temperature and continuous use temperature. Nofia FR also maintains good dimensional stability and the required mechanical performance after exposure to long-term heat aging.

FRX Polymers is the developer and producer of a new, environmentally friendly family of inherently flame retardant plastics and oligomers, trade named Nofia. The company is currently in the high growth phase of commercializing its unique family of phosphonate homopolymers, copolymers, and oligomers. These non-halogen flame retardants are tough and transparent, and possess high melt flow for use in consumer electronics, textiles, building and construction, and transportation markets. Nofia phosphonates replace halogenated flame retardants, which are being phased out due to toxicity concerns. They are being sold as polymeric flame retardant additives, flame retardant engineering plastics, and as reactive flame retardant additives for thermosetting resins.