FlammschutzEigenschaften

Flammschutz, in German often translated as flame retardancy or flame protection, refers to the property of materials to resist ignition, slow the spread of fire, and reduce the release of heat and smoke. It can be achieved through material design (intrinsic flame retardancy) or by adding flame-retardant chemicals (additives or coatings). Common mechanisms include promoting char formation, absorbing heat, diluting fuel gases, and inhibiting flame chemistry.

Materials are tested and classified under a range of standards that measure ignition resistance, heat release, smoke production, and flammability. Examples include the European standard EN 13501-1 for building materials classification, the UL 94 standard for plastics, NFPA 701 for fabrics, and tests for smoke density such as ASTM E662. Laboratories may report parameters like limiting oxygen index (LOI), time to ignition, peak heat release rate, and smoke production.

Applications of flammschutz span textiles, plastics, electronics, furnishings, and construction materials. Designers seek a balance between flame retardancy, mechanical properties, cost, and environmental impact. In textiles, fabrics may be treated or inherently flame resistant; in plastics, additives or reactive formulations are used; in construction, boards and insulation may require specific classifications.

Regulatory and environmental considerations influence the choice of flame retardants. Some halogenated compounds have faced restrictions due to toxicity and persistence, prompting a shift toward phosphorus-, nitrogen-, and mineral-based systems and safer processing.

Flammschutz remains an active area of materials science, aiming to improve performance while reducing environmental and health risks.