Formulated Polymer Products Blog

In 1988 the UK implemented the Furniture and Furnishing (Fire Safety) Regulations (FFR’s) following a major fire in the furnishings department of the Woolworths store in central Manchester. Tragically 10 people lost their lives in the fire. The regulations led to the use of flame retardants in the foam and on the back of the textiles used in furniture.

Anti-slip tray mats, such as those in the image below, are used in their millions every day by airlines and train companies throughout the world. They require a special coating that meets the food contact regulations, is non-allergenic and slip resistant when applied to both the front and back as they need to resist any turbulence during the flight or train journey.

Solvent based contact adhesives are expensive and are hazardous to both humans and the environment.

Water based adhesives are cost effective and are NOT hazardous to humans or the environment.

Historically contact adhesives were based on volatile organic solvents. Polymers such as polychloroprene or natural rubber are dissolved in a solvent e.g. toluene, xylene or dichloromethane. The resulting adhesive exhibits very high levels of tack. When a solvent based adhesive is applied to a substrate and the two surfaces are brought together an instant bond is formed. Solvent based sprayable solvents have been used for many years in the furniture industry. They have been used in the production of sofas, chairs, beds and other items of furniture. The adhesive is used to bond foam to foam, foam to fibre and foam and fibre to wood. The adhesive is sprayed on to both components which are brought together forming an instant bond. Solvent will remain in the adhesive bond but as it is volatile it will evaporate very quickly.

Since 1988, all manufacturers and importers of furniture in the UK have to make available, on request, information to prove that their products meet all the latest fire safety standards. For this reason, Formulated Polymer’s flame retardant coatings must meet the necessary requirements to ensure quality and regulatory compliance.

Left untreated, the natural and artificial fabrics used in tents pose a high fire risk. Our team at Formulated Polymers have developed a range of flame-retardant products to enhance the protection of tent fabrics against fire, as well as protection against bacteria, and fungal pathogens. 

We've all seen those extravagant white walkers in Game of Thrones. Their makeup, as well as all the wounds, scars, and burns are made with a special technique that might seem like an art beyond the reach of ordinary people. In fact, the Game of Thrones uses liquid latex and even a basic understanding of this material is enough (in principle!) to get started making your own creatures.

Cold seal adhesives are primarily used to seal heat sensitive items like chocolate bars.

The adhesive is normally applied wet to the substrate by a revolving gravure cylinder, immediately dried in an extended oven before it is reeled up at the end of the press.

The adhesive is usually applied in the form of a distinct pattern that will allow the wrapper to be sealed adhesive to adhesive without any heat being applied by the sealing jaws. 

Flame-retardants are used to reduce the impact of fire on property, people, and the environment. They can be added to nearly any item to treat flammable components and materials, such as plastics or textiles.

Flame-retardants refer to a functional property, rather than a single substance. There are chemicals with different configurations that act as flame-retardants and together they are more efficient than separately. Basically, there are three methods for this. Let's take a closer look.

Flame retardants can slow or extinguish the spread of fire before it does significant damage. They come in many forms - liquid coatings, soaking sprays, paint additives etc., and can be used in almost any industry. If you're in the market for a flame retardant coating or additive for your product, here are the three most important questions to ask flame retardant manufacturers.

Wet bond adhesives play an essential role in many different types of packaging. So why is it often so difficult to find the right level of heat resistance, the correct lamination strength, consistent quality and affordable price for these products?

These issues and their solutions are discussed in our new e-book: Wet Bond Adhesives: A Buyers Guide.