The Formulated Polymers Blog

On Wednesday 14th June 2017, London's worst fire for at least a generation began. The Grenfell Tower fire disaster went on to be not just a tragedy for those residents of the block who lost loved ones but for the wider community. Indeed, the public inquiry that followed the events looked into many controversial matters that surrounded the blaze. Not least amongst its considerations was the external cladding that had been fitted to the tower, as well as the much-documented complaints that residents had made to their landlord about safety issues.

We are happy to introduce customers to our latest investment in our manufacturing process. A new high-quality mixer with impressive performance options has helped us increase our manufacturing capacity by over 30%. The high-speed variable mixer – which was commissioned to our specifications – offers increased flexibility, a smoother formulating process, and faster results for our customers.

Among all the (current!) European Union member states, the UK has the highest and strictest fire safety standards for furniture and furnishings. This saves thousands of people every year from being injured or even dying by fire in their homes.

Our FP 2109 Flame retardant is a water-based impregnant compound designed for use with military grade fabrics – such as tent and marquee canvases. FP 2109 differs from other fabric flame retardants in the range of secondary benefits it applies to treated substrates.

In the wake of the Grenville Tower tragedy, flame retardant foams are receiving more publicity than ever. Our FP 1398 is a water based flame retardant polyurethane foam impregnant, with acoustic/thermal insulating properties. Foam impregnated with FP 1398 will meet the requirements UL94 V0 & 94-SV, BS 476 Part 5 and BS 476 Parts 6 and 7 Building Regulations Class “O”.

Our FP 2112 is a polymer bound water based flame retardant impregnant, for use in the manufacture of industrial and military canvas for tents and marquees. FP 2112 enhances water resistance, reduces permeability and increases physical strength, dimensional stability and durability.

In order to reduce the devastating impact of fire on people and the environment, most household items are treated with flame retardants. They are added to most potentially flammable items, such as electronics, textiles, and plastics. However, flame retardancy describes a function, not a chemical. Different chemicals with different structures and properties act as flame retardants and are often combined for effectiveness. Some are considered safer than others, for example, Decabromodiphenyl Ether is safer than Decabromodiphenyl Oxide.

80% of deaths caused by fires in the UK occur in the home. The number of fires is declining but this is no cause for complacency. A significant number of them are preventable and are typically caused by simple accidents.

Many specialists in material sciences and fire safety engineering agree on the importance of flame retardants and their properties to stop or slow the spread of fire. The use of flame retardants is vital because many synthetic materials and products that people have in their homes and construction plants pose a huge fire risk. Therefore, it's vital to choose the right flame retardant manufacturer to ensure optimum fire safety.

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.