By Bruce Geiselman
LG Chem has developed a PFAS-free flame-retardant plastic made primarily from recycled materials that it calls sustainable and eco-friendly.
LG Chem's unique process makes the PC/ABS material flame retardant without using PFAS or polyfluorinated substances, which are being phased out globally because of environmental and health concerns.
The chemical company, based in Seoul, South Korea, said the material received a V-0 rating in UL 94 testing, which is the highest rating in flame retardancy testing of vertically oriented specimens. To obtain the rating, about 240 specimens of four colors — natural, black, red and white — all passed testing to obtain V-0 level flame retardancy, according to the company.
“Each specimen is ignited twice for 10 seconds and each time the flame must self-extinguish within 10 seconds without dripping any sparks,” LG Chem explained to Plastics Recycling in an email. “The polycarbonate (PC) industry has been using a type of PFAS, known as PTFE, to gain V-0 flame retardancy to prevent sparks from dripping when set on fire. Our new product achieves this ‘anti-drip’ effect without the use of PTFE (this is why we claim it is a PFAS-free material) …”
“Technically, it is very challenging to reach V-0 flame retardancy level without the use of PTFE. We are exhaustively ensuring that PFAS materials — materials that are widely used in many applications — are not contained in pellets that are made out of our new eco-friendly material, which contains 50 percent PCR plastics.”
LG Chem said it is the first company worldwide to obtain V-0 flame retardancy with PFAS-free PC/ABS containing post-consumer recycled content.
PFAS chemicals are commonly used in cooking utensils, clothing and cosmetics as they are highly flame-resistant and do not dissolve in water and oil. However, as they decompose in nature, they have a negative impact on the environment, according to the company. The demand for PFAS-free materials is growing, especially in Europe and the United States.
“The transition to eco-friendly materials, including PFAS-free flame-retardant plastics, will become a global trend,” Steven Kim, senior vice president of LG Chem’s Engineering Materials Business Unit, said in a press release. “We will continue our research and development efforts to create eco-friendly and flame-retardant materials that prioritize customer well-being and the environment.”
The inclusion of more than 50 percent post-consumer recycled material reduces carbon emissions by 46 percent compared to using standard PC/ABS materials.
LG’s new PFAS-free flame-retardant material is suitable for use in electrical devices including laptops and tablets and industrial equipment including inverters and electric vehicle chargers.
Contact:
LG Chem America Inc., Atlanta, 404-400-6101, www.lgchem.com
Bruce Geiselman | Senior Staff Reporter
Senior Staff Reporter Bruce Geiselman covers extrusion, blow molding, additive manufacturing, automation and end markets including automotive and packaging. He also writes features, including In Other Words and Problem Solved, for Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing, Plastics Recycling and The Journal of Blow Molding. He has extensive experience in daily and magazine journalism.
