Introducing the Notoxicom® Product Family

Flame Retardant Notoxicom® B6000 (FR PC/ABS) and Notoxicom® S6000 (FR PC/ASA)

Polymer Compounders Limited (PCL) proudly announces a new category of product set to redefine flame retardant polymers. After extensive research and development, we have launched Notoxicom® B6000 (FR PC/ABS) and Notoxicom® S6000 (FR PC/ASA). We expect the Notoxicom® product family to expand over time, supporting our customers’ innovation.

Why Notoxicom?

Notoxicom® is our registered tradename for specialist halogen and aryl ester free flame retardant polymers. What makes these materials so special is that they retain industry-leading performance, whilst being much less toxic products. Within this range, we have polymers to suit many applications from battery casings to the state-of-the-art medical devices

Stephen Blair, Technical Manager in 2022, describes Notoxicom® as “The world’s first UL94 V0 at 0.8 mm, halogen and aryl phosphate ester-free, very low toxicity FR PC/ABS and FR PC/ASA materials. Notably, these do not compromise material properties and offer significant lightweighting advantages.”


Flame Retardants. A Changing Landscape” – This is a special Keynote about the impact of new legislation from both Europe and overseas and how our innovative polymeric materials within the Notoxicom® product family can help with this ever-evolving situation. Additionally, we will share some exciting updates surrounding the early adopters of our Notoxicom® materials and how they have benefited from them.  

Let’s start the conversation together…

**Presentation download link: https://polymer-compounders.com/en/do... **

What Is #ECOFRAM 2022?

ECOFRAM 2022 marks the 3rd international conference on eco-friendly flame retardant additives and materials. IMT Mines Alès, University of Montpellier, Engineering School of Chemistry of Montpellier (ENSCM), and Société Chimique de France (SCF) are delighted to announce that this Third International Conference will be held in Alès on the 17th and 18th of May 2022. Spanning over two days, the conference will focus on both the state-of-the-art and the latest developments in fundamental and applied research regarding eco-friendly flame retardant additives and materials.



Background

As the world around us is changing, so are our polymer needs, more eco-friendly conscientious and safer choices are being made by consumers daily around the globe.

With the addition of the standard flame retardants in Engineering Styrenics and their blends such as TBBA and RDP/BPA-DP to the European Chemical agency (ECHACORAP (Community rolling action plan) list, Polymer Compounders Ltd (PCL) knew something needed to happen about the types of additives used in all significant flame retardant applications.

Understanding the significance of the upcoming ECHA review and the consequence of a shift in the industry, it made sense for PCL to pursue the development of their new patented polymer and help facilitate a positive change to safer flame retardant materials for the reasons outlined by the ECHA.

PCL, with a combined knowledge and experience of over 50 years of polymer science, accomplished the development of not one, but two non-halogenated flame retardant materials. The materials are: Notoxicom® B6000 – an FR PC/ABS Blend and Notoxicom® S6000 – an FR PC/ASA blend.

Both Notoxicom® B6000 and Notoxicom® S6000 materials are not only safer and better overall for the environment but are also much better at carrying out the job required of any halogenated and aryl phosphate ester based flame-retardant polymer. Lastly and most importantly, they are compliant with the ECHA.


Standard Flame Retardant Technology’s

TPP

TPP Is a high priority Substance for Risk evaluation in the USA.

Many companies have joined the EPA activity. Timing is unclear, normally would say 3 years but could be sooner.


BDP, RDP, ADPs, CDP and TBTPP all contain TPP

In Europe it is under evaluation for Edocrine Disruption. Is in CoRAP.
Has long been: very toxic to aquatic / toxic to aquatic with long last effects

TBBA

Largest brominated FR.  Biggest use is as reactive in making FR-4 PCB laminates. 

A few very large customers. Good analytical data to say no free TBBA in most boards – some boards have intentional free TBBA, but not significant. 

Two other major uses, of similar size, are: 1) as additive FR in ABS and 2) as reactive component of other FRs (BEO/BEP, FR-720, others). 

Also used in epoxy coatings and potting compounds, UPE, and additive textile back-coatings. 


Chemsec – The International Chemical Secretariat

Notoxicom® B6000 and S6000 are listed on Chemsec.org as safer alternatives for TPP based FR PC ABS materials; the Notoxicom® Chemsec listing can be found here: https://marketplace.chemsec.org/Alternative/Notoxicom-Flame-Retardants-B6000-and-S6000-1068


How were these objectives achieved, and what are the key innovations?

The first key innovation primarily focused on the fact that traditionally, when you add an additive or flame retardant package to a material, you often inevitably sacrifice performance in another area, such as heat performance or strength.

Consequently, the polymer could end up with a lower impact strength and heat tolerance. Simply put, traditional flame retardant materials are unable to withstand the rigours of the moulding process for an extended period. Furthermore, non-halogenated flame retardancy packages are not bound within the polymer matrix. Because of this, the additives, in turn, react or initiate the migration process in the injection moulding barrel if the residence time is excessively long.

Another significant weakness of traditional flame-retardant packages is that the final molded component will exhibit lower stiffness at elevated temperatures, given that the flame-retardant package has a plasticizing effect on the host polymer. In addition, standard FR/ABS materials that also contain halogens employ additional toxic chemicals such as ‘Antimony Trioxide’ as a co-synergist to produce the compound which, in turn, extinguishes the flame.

However, Notoxicom® B6000 (FR PC/ABS) and Notoxicom® S6000 (FR PC/ASA) maintain their properties across all areas, enabling their use in many applications. Impressively, they achieve this by ensuring the flame retardancy doesn’t separate from the polymer at the molecular level, essentially acting as one cohesive unit, with nothing leaching out.

What is unique about this technology development, and what are its implications?

PCL’s technological development has ultimately proved that the use of halogens or liquid phase materials are not necessary when creating a superior flame retardant polymer. It has also shown that products such as Notoxicom® B6000 (FR PC/ABS) and Notoxicom® S6000 (FR PC/ASA) surpass all the required technical aspects of a flame retardant in a much safer way.

PCL has been working closely for many months during the formula development stage of the products, with an industry-leading test house working to ISO 9001: 2015 accreditation for all results.

In Summary, what were the key objectives of this material development?

Notoxicom® B6000 (FR PC/ABS) and Notoxicom® S6000’s (FR PC/ASA) properties’ can be broken down and summarised into the following:

  1. To be a material with a Halogen Free classification, which also has a favourable toxicity profile when compared with all other halogenated flame-retardant materials and liquid non-halogenated flame-retardant materials.
  2. A material that does not migrate from host plastic.
  3. A material that does not ‘bioaccumulate’.
  4. A better melt processable material.
  5. Notoxicom® B6000 (FR PC/ABS) and Notoxicom® S6000 (FR PC/ASA) also maintain their physical properties and attributes in all areas compared with halogenated and liquid non-halogenated flame-retardant materials.
  6. Patented and manufactured in the UK at PCL’s Durham manufacturing site with short lead times.


Vertical Burning Test (4K) – Notoxicom®

Notoxicom® Vertical Burn Demonstration (Click for more information)

Notoxicom® comparative vertical burn demonstration; samples used in the video: ABS, Notoxicom® – Black 9126 and an FR/ABS.

Notoxicom® – V0 Self-Extinguishing Polymers.

–Superior halogen-free flame retardancy.

–ECHA compliant, environmentally friendly materials.

–Non-migratory chemicals that do not bioaccumulate.

–More favourable toxicity profile.

–An outstanding balance of thermal & mechanical properties, with light-weighting gains.

Chapters:

00:00 First Pass ( Interval #1)

00:25 Second Pass ( Interval #2)

00:37 Visual Results



Notoxicom® B6000 (FR PC/ABS) – Technical Data
High flow and excellent complex tooling processability.
Good heat performance Vicat (B/50) – 125°
Excellent Impact performance – 46 kJ/m2.
Halogen-Free UL94 V0 rating at 0.75mm.
GWEPT at 960°C
5% Lower density (Sg of 1.14g/cm3) compared to similar FR PC/ABS materials.
Click here to view the full ISO 9001:2015 datasheet for Notoxicom® B6000. FR PC ABS

Notoxicom® B6000 (FR PC/ABS), is the slightly tougher of the two products, with an impact of 46 kJ/m2 would be an excellent choice for highly specialised automotive applications such as EV battery casings or applications that require toughness, with exceptional flame retardancy.


Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) & Glow Wire Testing (GWIT)

Notoxicom® B6000 was tested under lab conditions to see how it compares to our PC-ABSCOM B1000 in GWIT and CTI. The data below shows that Notoxicom® B6000 matches PC-ABSCOMTM B1000 in GWIT testing, with 825°C at 1.7mm. In addition, you can also see the CTI results of both materials.


Before and after CTI & GWIT

Customer Success Story – Super B

Super B, a Koolen Industries member, launched a new lithium iron phosphate battery. It’s made with Notoxicom®, a FR PC/ABS from Polymer Compounders Limited (UK).

The battery cases were designed with Kedu Polymers Industries BV, Klein Mechaniek BV, and Super B using Moldex software. This software, loaded with Notoxicom® data, optimized the design for its wide temperature range and excellent flow. The design’s lower pressure let them use one hot runner instead of two, unlike standard FR PC/ABS.

Klein Mechaniek BV (Toolmaker/Moulder)


Mouldex: Notoxicom® B6000 – Moulding Demonstration Video


This new development of our already successful battery range will add to its Green credentials and contribute to the continuing growth in applications such as power sports, marine, industrial and other recreational”. 

(Marten Zilvold, Product Manager, Super B, 2022)
Super B – EPSILON 12V 150Ah Battery.

Marc Lebel, CEO of FRX Innovations said, “This development is fully aligned with our strategy of disrupting segments of the flame retardant polymer industry sensitive to the sustainability demands of OEM’s, regulatory bodies and Green NGOs, all the while delivering performance levels not possible with legacy flame retardant products.”  These include applications in electric vehicles, medical equipment, and consumer electronics. All FRX’s flame retardants are polymers and contain no halogens.  

– (Marc Lebel, CEO, FRX-Innovations, 2022)

Comparative Sustainability and Recycling robustness of leading FR PC/ABS materials

Notoxicom® B6000 has superior property retention after recycling compared with other FR PC/ABS grades. The graph below demonstrates that after repeated processing Notoxicom® B6000 retains all its flame retardant properties. Traditionally materials like FR PC/ABS are unable to be reprocessed for fear of the flame package leaving the material. This is due to the ingredients ‘co-existing’ as opposed to being a ‘unified’ bound polymer matrix like Notoxicom® with its patented formula.

Figure 1 – FR potency degradation results after recycling.
  Figure 2 – Material impact strength degradation after recycling.  


Notoxicom® S6000 (FR PC/ASA) – Technical Data
Excellent UV Stability
High flow and excellent complex tooling processability.
Good heat performance Vicat (B/50) – 125°C.
Excellent Impact performance –15 kJ/m2.
Halogen Free UL94 V0 rating at 0.75mm.
GWIT at 960°C.
5% Lower density (SG of 1.14g/cm3) compared to similar FR PC/ASA materials.
Click here to view the full ISO 9001:2015  datasheet for Notoxicom® S6000. FR PC ASA

Notoxicom® S6000 (FR PC/ASA), with its great weathering capabilities, is an excellent choice for any outdoor application that also requires class-leading flame retardancy.

PCL’s intention and persistence from the beginning to keep key performance attributes has meant that both halogen and aryl phosphate ester-free flame retardant’s Notoxicom® B6000 (FR PC/ABS) and Notoxicom® S6000 (FR PC/ASA) have a market-leading balance of flow, impact, high-temperature performance and processability. Furthermore, and most importantly, both materials do not contain any toxic halogens or aryl phosphate ester, which enables a safer world for everyone.

Flame Retardants and Key Precursor; Yellow Phosphorus (YP)

China produces over 70% of the world’s Yellow Phosphorus (YP). Facing global pressure for greener practices, China is closing many coal-powered YP plants. This has caused a major drop in global YP supply. China’s move aims to reduce environmental impact. Additionally, China has cut YP production by 90% at major facilities.

What effect has this had on the polymer market?

This chain of events is being felt across both the manufacturing and polymer industries, pushing the prices of certain materials higher than they have ever been. Additionally, all major FR ABS materials and FR PC ABS materials rely on this precursor almost in their entirety. Manufacturers of these products require large amounts of RDP and BDP from producers. We are not suggesting that Notoxicom® is entirely immune to this issue, but we are pleased to be able to say that our superior flame retardant product range Notoxicom® is readily available; despite all that is going on in these precarious times. Several factors contribute to this, but our key innovation within the product, utilizing new technologies, has made this so.

To give some medical context to what the Notoxicom® family of products is all about, please take a look at the following case studies, which show technical medical data that outlines the dangers of older flame retardant technologies. Notoxicom® is pioneering in that it does not use the older, more dangerous chemistry. 

Notoxicom B6000 impact test
Notoxicom® B6000 – Excellent Impact performance – 46 kJ/m2.

Case Study’s

The industry case study’s outlining the risks associated with the currently available flame retardant chemistry.

The first case-study outlines the following:

In Vitro Human Metabolism of the Flame Retardant Resorcinol Bis(diphenylphosphate) (RDP)

Resorcinol bis(diphenylphosphate) (RDP) is widely used as a flame retardant in electrical/electronic products and constitutes a suitable alternative to decabrominated diphenyl ether. Due to its toxicity and its recently reported ubiquity in electronics and house dust, there are increasing concerns about human exposure to this emerging contaminant…..

Ana Ballesteros-Gómez†, Nele Van den Eede†, and Adrian Covaci – 2015
Click here to read the rest of Ana Ballestero’s case-study

The second case study outlines the following:

Plummeting sperm counts, shrinking penises: toxic chemicals threaten humanity

“The chemicals to blame for our reproductive crisis are found everywhere and in everything”

The chemicals to blame for this crisis are found in everything from plastic containers and food wrapping, to waterproof clothes and fragrances in cleaning products, to soaps and shampoos, to electronics and carpeting. Some of them, called PFAS, are known as “forever chemicals”, because they don’t breakdown in the environment or the human body. They just accumulate and accumulate – doing more and more damage, minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day. Now, it seems, humanity is reaching a breaking point……

Erin Brockovich – 18th March 2021
Click here to read the rest of the ‘Toxic Chemicals’ Threaten Humanity case-study

In addition to the features mentioned, the Notoxicom® family meets GreenScreen® level 3 requirements due to its underlying formula. GreenScreen® is one of the most recognised methods of comparative chemical hazard assessments available.  Benchmark Scores provide a standardised and straightforward way to compare and communicate about chemical hazards. More information on what GreenScreen® is all about; can be found here:

Click here to find out more about what GreenScreen® is all about.

“Fish grow slower when exposed to higher temperatures and a common chemical in plastic, according to new research. It suggests that a combination of plastic pollution and global heating could have a concerning impact on marine populations.

Scientists at the University of Sydney have found that fish exposed to the industrial chemical bisphenol A – commonly known as BPA – require more energy to grow in high-temperature waters.

BPA is a common chemical used in plastics manufacturing and is known to disrupt hormone signalling, with impacts in marine animals on metabolism and growth. In humans, it has also been linked to reproductive and developmental dysfunction. Millions of tonnes of the compound are produced globally each year”.

Donna Lu – 26th January 2022 (www.theguardian.com)

The Evolution of Flame Retardants – Notoxicom®

Flame Retardant Technology Evolution

Historically, two principal flame retardant packages governed flame retardancy in the polymer industry. Under ECHA (European Chemical Agency) scrutiny, the first is a ‘Gas-based’ product encapsulating brominated gas within the polymer matrix. A significant percentage of all FR/ABS uses the ‘chemical,’ which then needs to be ‘triggered’ during combustion, typically resulting in lower impact performance of the polymer.

Global regulators express concerns that this ‘gas’ escapes, potentially causing more harm than good. The second commonly used flame package involves a non-halogenated liquid suspended within the polymer granule. Although less toxic than its gas-based counterpart, this liquid, designed to smother and expand on the plastic surface during combustion, potentially enters the human body.

Revolutionary Notoxicom® Polymer: Embedded Flame Retardancy for Safer, Chemical-Free Performance

Notoxicom® embeds flame retardancy within the polymer’s structure, preventing chemical release under strain. Its unique chemistry improves toxicity profiles and allows for recycling, as its flame retardancy doesn’t degrade over time. External tests show that conventional flame retardants lose effectiveness with repeated processing.


Other Advantages of Notoxicom®

  • UL94 V0 rated plastics
  • UL94 5VB rated plastics
  • No drop in heat or strength performance as with current FR systems
  • Lower density
  • Lower processing fumes, even with long residence times
  • Low smoke toxicity during combustion
  • (Meets aircraft standard ABD0031 para 7.4)
  • Notoxicom® materials utilise a unique polymeric formula and do not contain any additional halogen-free flame retardant additives. Conversely, all other FR PC/ABS materials, like CYCOLOY™ C2950, Bayblend® FR3000, and Bayblend® FR3010, require additives for their flame retardancy rating. Additionally, halogen-free flame retardant additives restrict the recycling potential of polymers.
  • Polymeric flame retardant polymers, identified as Notoxicom® materials, exclude harmful flame retardant additives, thanks to the brilliance of polyphosphonate co-carbonate technology.
  • Polyphosphonate co-carbonate technology allows the Notoxicom® family of materials to qualify as self-extinguishing polymers.

Furthermore, alongside Notoxicom® B6000 and Notoxicom® S6000, we have introduced two new members to the Notoxicom® product family. They are as follows:

NOTOXICOM® B6303

This material, an enhanced heat deformation, 1.5 mm V0 rated flame retardant ABS blend, suits extrusion and injection moulding applications. We have formulated Notoxicom® B6303 primarily for extrusion applications, which also works well in most injection moulding applications.

NOTOXICOM® A6000

This material is an Injection moulding grade of a non-halogenated PC blend with exceptionally low smoke toxicity and flame retardancy, suitable for transport applications. Notoxicom® A6000 has been formulated to be tailored more around transport applications with its exceptionally low smoke toxicity.

Please note that we are still developing both Notoxicom® B6303 and Notoxicom® A6000. However, if you’re interested in ordering either variation, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We will happily discuss your requirements.

If you don’t require flame retardancy in a PC ASA plastic but still want industry-leading performance check out PC-ASACOM S9470. – “A superior high heat modified PC/ASA blend, for exterior applications”.

(Stephen Blair, 2021, Technical Manager).

To learn more about the Notoxicom® family of products, please the Notoxicom® technical data page: https://polymer-compounders.com/en/product/notoxicom/

For any inquiries, please contact our offices using the form available here: https://polymer-compounders.com/en/contact-us/. Or call us on +44 (191) 378 3737.