The 26th Flame Retardant Conference: A Quarter Century of Insights and Knowledge

The flame retardant industry expanded in the 1970s when synthetic materials became popular in the manufacture of products. The growing demand and consumption of these flammable products led many world governments to insist their manufacturers make them safer from fire.  In many countries, the use of flame retardant chemicals in flammable products is mandated. In recent decades, their worldwide use has increased as highly populated countries such as China and India have recognized the safety and protective value of flame retardant chemicals.

Presently, the flame retardant chemicals industry is in transition. Because many organizations and governments have reassessed the safety benefits of flame retardant chemicals against its harmful effects on human health and the environment, the use of some widely used flame retardant chemicals is being discontinued. However, emerging technology promises flame retardant protection with reduced or eliminated toxic effects.

The global consumption of flame retardant chemicals in 2013 and 2014 reached about $3.9 billion pounds and $4.2 billion pounds, respectively. In 2019, total consumption is projected to reach $5.7 billion, reflecting a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7%.

For 25 years, BCC Research has convened the Annual Conference on Recent Advances in Flame Retardancy of Polymeric Materials. A signature staple of the industry, this cutting-edge conference focuses on the development of flame retardant chemicals and materials such as plastics, textiles, and surface coatings that inhibit, suppress, or delay the production of flames to prevent the spread of fire.

Come join this year’s conference to hear BCC Research's renowned analyst Marcanne Green, one of more than 40 expert speakers, share her insights. For the complete conference brochure and list of speakers, click here.

Find detailed information about the Conference by visiting the following link:

26th Annual Conference: Recent Advances in Flame Retardancy of Polymeric Materials

2015 Flame Conference Promises to Provide the Latest Breakthroughs in Flame Retardancy

On May 17^th, the 26th Annual Conference on Recent Advances in Flame Retardancy of Polymeric Materials will welcome scientific and technical specialists to the premier fire retardant event in the industry. Scheduled at the Sheraton Stamford Hotel (Connecticut) May 17-20, the conference not only provides participants cutting-edge information about recent innovations in the industry, but also terrific networking opportunities with world-class experts and fellow professionals.

The conference kicks off on Sunday, May 17^th, with a one-day Short Course that will acquaint industry newcomers with the evaluation and commercial applications of flame retardants. The main conference from May 18-20 will feature experts from around the globe who will share their latest research on topics such as foams and fabrics, nanocomposites, and new technology. Evening receptions on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday will offer attendees additional networking opportunities during this vibrant four-day learning experience.

Prominent speakers at this year’s highly anticipated event include Charles Wilkie, (conference chairman, Marquette University), Dr. Matthew S. Blais (Fire Technology Department, Southwest Texas Research Institute) and Marshall Moore (Great Lakes Solutions). Overall, more than 40 informative sessions will offer a breadth of topics and industries that strike a balance between academia and industry, including “Material Selection Influence on the Flammability of Upholstered Furniture,” “Reformulating Targeted Materials: How This Impacts Aerospace OEMs”, and “Comparative Burn of Flat Panel Televisions from United States, Mexican and Brazilian Markets.”

Professor Jaime C. Grunlan appreciated last year’s conference so much, he’s back this year.  “Flame 2014 was the most technically strong topical conference I attended last year,” he says. “The networking was great and everything was very well-organized. If you want to know about the latest breakthroughs in flame retardant research, Flame 2015 is the conference to attend.”

We hope to see you there!

Find detailed information about the Conference by visiting the following link:

26th Annual Conference: Recent Advances in Flame Retardancy of Polymeric Materials

Flame Retardant Flooring at the London Underground Station

After a successful trial at a London Underground station, a flame retardant natural rubber has been approved for commercial use in flooring.

Natural-FR, developed by the Tun Abdul Razak Research Center (TARRC), is a zero halogen, low smoke, low toxic modified NR compound that will help the matting maker meet sustainability targets in products. Because it’s derived from renewable resources, the product will “have a significant negative carbon footprint,” according to TARRC.

Before Natural-FR was certified for use, the industry used synthetic materials. But TARRC, the research and promotion center of the Malaysian Rubber Board, took on the challenge of developing a usable compound based on natural rubber, according to Marina Fernando, head of TARRC's industrial support unit.

“What we had to do was look at the various standards currently in place in Europe, do the various testing and achieve third-party certification,” she said. “You just can't go in and put the material anywhere. You have to go to a certified laboratory that would do all the tests.”

TARRC modified the natural rubber and then added fire retardant additives in order to meet criteria for smoke density, smoke toxicity, heat release rate, flame spread, and dry and wet slip resistance.

“What's proprietary is the modified natural rubber and the way we have optimized the additives package that goes into the rubber compound to give it the flame retardancy,” Fernando said.

TARRC also is looking to develop the compound for use in other applications.

For BCC Research flame retardant chemicals report, visit the following link:

Flame Retardant Chemicals: Technologies and Global Markets (CHM014M)