The Flame Retardant Principle of Flame-Retardant Aluminum Hydroxide

The flame-retardant mechanism of aluminum hydroxide involves endothermic decomposition into aluminum oxide and water—substances that are entirely non-toxic and non-corrosive.

The flame-retardant mechanism of aluminum hydroxide involves endothermic decomposition into aluminum oxide and water—substances that are entirely non-toxic and non-corrosive. This heat-absorbing reaction consumes substantial thermal energy during polymer combustion, thereby protecting the polymer from rapid decomposition and delaying the formation of combustible byproducts. The resulting water vapor displaces oxygen, acting as an inert gas that retards polymer combustion. Simultaneously, it forms a protective layer of aluminum oxide and carbonized products on the polymer surface. This layer further suppresses combustion by adsorbing smoke particles and reduces smoke density.

Aluminum hydroxide is one of the primary flame retardants in industrial production and is recognized as an environmentally friendly, non-toxic flame retardant. Cables and wires typically serve as insulating flame retardants, much like flame-retardant aluminum hydroxide.

Generally, flame retardancy must exceed a certain threshold. If flame retardancy is too low, leakage current along wires and cables increases, and wasted power generates heat. This creates conditions conducive to thermal damage, heightening the risk of thermal injury.

In DC cable flame retardancy, segmented flame retardancy formed by materials with differing resistivities enhances material utilization and elevates surface resistivity—a critical factor for cable flame retardancy. Uneven distribution of dust and moisture on surfaces can induce higher voltages on certain areas, leading to partial discharge or surface discharge, which may cause severe failures.

Additionally, uneven electric field distribution and high electric field strength caused by surface defects lead to corona discharge. Wrapping conductive rubber or anti-conductive plastic around the surface of conductive coils can reduce corona discharge on the chamber surface.