Flame-Retardant ABS

ABS is a flammable material, classified as HB level according to the UL94 standard. When ignited, ABS burns rapidly, releasing large amounts of toxic gases and black smoke, making it unsuitable for many practical applications. With advancements in technology and improvements in quality of life, safety awareness has grown significantly. Both domestic and international industries have imposed strict fire safety and flame-retardant requirements on plastic materials used in automobiles, construction, home appliances, office equipment, and other fields, accompanied by corresponding technical standards and regulations. Therefore, research on flame-retardant ABS holds considerable importance.

Flame-retardant ABS is produced by incorporating flame retardants into standard ABS, resulting in a plastic with fire-resistant properties. The combustion mechanism of ABS resin is highly complex, and due to variations in raw materials, proportions, processing conditions, and production methods, the actual composition of ABS resin can differ greatly, leading to differences in flammability. Generally, as the butadiene content increases, the transparency of the resin decreases while its flammability rises.

How to Quickly Identify Whether ABS is Flame-Retardant
A simple method is to clamp an ABS product with a clip and ignite it with a lighter. After it catches fire, remove the flame. If the material self-extinguishes, it is likely flame-retardant. However, flame-retardant ABS comes in several grades, such as UL94 V0, V1, V2, B1, B2, H, etc.

Properties of Flame-Retardant ABS
Comprehensive performance: Good overall properties, high impact strength, excellent chemical stability, and electrical performance.
Compatibility: Bonds well with 372 PMMA (organic glass), enabling the production of dual-color plastic parts. It can also be chrome-plated or painted.
Variants: Available in high-impact, high-heat-resistant, flame-retardant, reinforced, and transparent grades.
Flowability: Slightly worse than HIPS but better than PMMA and PC, with good flexibility.
Applications: Suitable for general mechanical parts, wear-resistant components, transmission parts, and electrical or telecommunication components.

Applications of Flame-Retardant ABS in Public Fire Safety
Flame-retardant ABS resins come in various types with distinct characteristics, making them widely applicable in electronic and electrical products. Proper use of flame-retardant ABS in public facilities can provide effective fire safety protection. Material selection depends on specific requirements for different equipment.

Audiovisual Equipment
With economic development, audiovisual devices such as TVs and speakers are increasingly installed in public spaces for promotional purposes and customer convenience. A typical example is LCD TVs. Depending on requirements, different flame-retardant ABS grades are chosen for their casings.
High-gloss, paint-free products for Europe: Often use halogen-free flame-retardant PC/ABS alloys to comply with WEEE and TCO03 environmental standards.
Standard paint-free products (large TVs): Typically use brominated epoxy flame-retardant ABS for better processability.
Small-sized products: Usually opt for TBBPA (tetrabromobisphenol A) flame-retardant ABS to reduce costs.
Internal components (e.g., TV brackets, electrical boxes) for the U.S. or non-ROHS markets: May use decabromodiphenyl ether (DBDPE) flame-retardant ABS.

Electrical Equipment
Products like power strips, wall switches, electric meters, and distribution boxes frequently experience circuit switching, which can generate sparks. If the casing material lacks sufficient flame retardancy, it can become a major fire hazard. Although China has established relevant standards, poor market regulation allows substandard products to persist, posing significant risks. Material selection is critical.
10A power strips: ABS/PVC alloys are sufficient due to low current and minimal heat generation.
30A power strips: Must withstand high temperatures under extreme conditions, requiring high-heat-resistant flame-retardant ABS or PC/ABS alloys to prevent deformation and hazards.

Fire Safety Equipment
Devices like emergency lights, smoke detectors, and surveillance equipment must maintain high reliability during emergencies to provide critical time and guidance. Materials must exhibit excellent flame retardancy and heat resistance to ensure prolonged functionality under harsh conditions.

Power Conversion Devices
Equipment such as UPS units, chargers, and electrical control boxes often involve frequent switching and heat generation. Due to their complex structures and large sizes, material selection varies.
Electrical boxes for appliances (e.g., air conditioners, refrigerators): Typically use TBBPA flame-retardant ABS.
Charger casings: May use TBBPA ABS, brominated epoxy ABS, or high-heat-resistant PC/ABS, depending on requirements.

Office Automation (OA) Equipment
Public offices are often crowded, with valuable equipment and complex wiring, necessitating strict fire safety measures. Examples include monitors, printers, copiers, and shredders.
Copier casings: Large and appearance-sensitive, often use halogen-free PC/ABS alloys.
Monitor casings: Commonly employ TBBPA or BEO flame-retardant ABS; some opt for halogen-free PC/ABS for TCO03 compliance.
Small OA devices (e.g., shredders, printers): Select flame-retardant ABS based on structural and durability needs.

By carefully selecting flame-retardant ABS materials for these applications, public fire safety can be significantly enhanced.