| Our company recently joined the NFPA (National Fire | | | | we can make this a reality in most types of |
| Protection Association) so we can better understand | | | | thermo-plastic or poly based products. |
| how we can help our customers protect themselves | | | | Many fire retardant plastics will still burn, but at a |
| from the ravages of fire. In the polyethylene | | | | much slower rate, and at a much lower temperature, |
| industry, Fire Retardant products have been around | | | | so they are not a significant factor should a fire |
| for a few decades, but have really only come into | | | | occur. Standard plastics can be quite a significant fire |
| their own over the past 15 years or so in the USA. | | | | hazard, and are even used as fuel sources in |
| Fire Retardant products were much more popular, | | | | incinerators where "non combustible" items are |
| and were specified on all construction projects in | | | | incinerated. That should give one an idea how hot |
| Europe many years before they became established | | | | these materials can burn. |
| in the USA. | | | | Fire retardant plastics are suitable for many |
| Because polyethylene is made from petroleum/natural | | | | applications within the construction industry, |
| gas related products, in its natural state, it makes | | | | healthcare industry, ship building and repair, cruise |
| what Fire Marshals deem a "VERY EXCITING FIRE." | | | | lines, military, government, laboratories, commercial |
| When we make polyethylene fire retardant, we | | | | buildings, scaffolding covering, and the list goes on. In |
| interrupt the combustion process using chemistry, so | | | | fact, it is my belief that FR plastics should be used in |
| the products no longer contribute as significant fuel | | | | any application where there is any potential for a |
| sources to a fire. Various additive packages made by | | | | spark or fire, or where increasing fire safety is |
| additive manufacturers are readily available today, so | | | | beneficial. |