Almatis fine precipitated hydrates (alumina trihydrate or ATH) are an environmentally friendly flame retardant that provides a non-toxic alternative to halogen-based products. Toxic, halogen based flame retardants are emerging as a major environmental and health concern. ATH works to retard fire by decomposing endothermically, releasing water vapors rather than toxic gases. ATH is also safe for disposal in landfills or incinerators, so products containing ATH are not subject to the hazardous materials restrictions of such brominated flame retardants as PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ethers).
"Alumina trihydrate is the largest volume flame retardant used globally. With more emphasis being placed on green technology, green products and industrial ecology, ATH will continue to be a significantly important additive. As a company that is proficient in alumina technology, we continue to explore ways that ATH can be used more effectively to benefit the environment," explains Virgil Fisher, General Manager of Specialty Hydrates, the business unit that produces the fine precipitated hydrates.
Existing and pending regulations for product and environmental safety, especially in Europe and North America, and the growing public awareness of the need for environmentally friendly products are driving increased interest in the use of non-toxic ATH-based flame retardants. Companies that incorporate flame retardant additives in their products are looking for toxic-free alternatives and ATH provides exactly that alternative.
"Almatis is planning a capacity increase to meet the growing need for alumina trihydrate flame retardants. This investment will allow our customers to grow with the market opportunity for safer, greener flame retardants", states Almatis CEO Martin Laudenbach.