Flammehæmmere

Flammehæmmere, also known as flame retardants, are chemical additives used to inhibit, suppress, or delay the spread of fire. They are incorporated into a wide range of materials, including plastics, textiles, electronics, and building materials, to enhance their fire safety characteristics. The primary goal of flame retardants is to reduce the flammability of these materials, thereby providing occupants with more time to escape in the event of a fire and minimizing damage to property.

The mechanisms by which flame retardants work are diverse. Some operate in the solid phase, altering the decomposition process of the material to form a char layer that insulates the underlying material from heat and oxygen. Others function in the gas phase, interfering with the radical chain reactions that propagate flames. Certain flame retardants can also absorb heat, thus lowering the temperature of the burning material.

Flame retardants can be broadly categorized into several chemical classes, including halogenated compounds (containing bromine or chlorine), phosphorus-based compounds, nitrogen-based compounds, and inorganic compounds like metal hydroxides. The choice of flame retardant depends on the specific material being treated, the desired level of fire resistance, and regulatory requirements.

While flame retardants play a crucial role in fire safety, their use has also raised environmental and health concerns. Some flame retardants have been found to persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in living organisms. Research continues to investigate the potential impacts of different flame retardants and to develop safer and more effective alternatives. Regulatory bodies in many countries have established guidelines and restrictions on the use of certain flame retardant chemicals.