# Flame retardants: Characteristics

How fire tests decide which retardant goes where

Source page: https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/flame_retardants/characteristics/

What this tab covers The physical and chemical properties that set its grade, price and uses, with the commercial grades and the standards that define them.

Choice depends on the fire test to pass (UL 94, EN 13501, IEC cable tests), the polymer and processing temperature, smoke and toxicity limits, and cost per kg of compound at the needed loading.

#### Properties that matter commercially

| Property | Value / specification | Why it matters | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Decomposition temperature** | ATH about 200 C; MDH about 330 C (indicative) | must survive processing | indicative |
| **Halogen content** | DBDPE about 82% Br (stoichiometry) | efficiency per kg | stoichiometry |
| **Particle size (mineral FRs)** | fine and surface-treated grades (indicative) | loading and mechanical properties | indicative |

#### Commercial grades

- Fine-precipitated and ground ATH
- MDH
- DBDPE
- TBBPA (reactive)
- Brominated polystyrene and polymeric FR
- TCPP
- Ammonium polyphosphate
- Aluminium diethylphosphinate
- Melamine cyanurate
- Antimony trioxide
- Zinc borate

## Other sections

- [Summary](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/flame_retardants/index.md)
- [Overview](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/flame_retardants/overview/index.md)
- [Correlation](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/flame_retardants/correlation/index.md)
- [Production route](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/flame_retardants/routes/index.md)
- [Production](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/flame_retardants/production/index.md)
- [Feedstocks](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/flame_retardants/feedstocks/index.md)
- [Cycles](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/flame_retardants/cycles/index.md)
- [Trading](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/flame_retardants/trading/index.md)
- [Movement](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/flame_retardants/movement/index.md)
- [Regulation](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/flame_retardants/regulation/index.md)
- [Emissions](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/flame_retardants/emissions/index.md)
- [Relationships](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/flame_retardants/links/index.md)