Halogenfrie

Halogenfrie, or halogen-free, describes materials designed to contain no halogen-based flame retardants and to minimize halogen content in the polymer matrix. In practice, this means using base polymers and additives that either do not include halogens or limit total halogen content, with the aim of reducing the release of halogenated compounds during combustion.

The motivation for halogen-free materials stems from concerns about fire safety, indoor air quality, and environmental impact. Halogenated flame retardants can release toxic hydrogen halides and other harmful gases when burned, and some compounds persist in the environment. Halogen-free formulations seek to mitigate these risks by avoiding halogen-containing additives and relying on alternative flame-retardant strategies.

Technologies used for halogen-free flame retardancy include the use of halogen-free base polymers (such as certain polyolefins) and non-halogen flame-retardant systems. Common approaches involve inorganic flame retardants like aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide and phosphorus-based or intumescent formulations that do not rely on halogens. The choice of system depends on the intended application, required fire performance, mechanical properties, and cost considerations.

Standards and testing programs exist to verify halogen content and fire performance. Assessments may measure total halogen content, halogen acid gas evolution during combustion, and smoke density and opacity. International and regional bodies in the IEC, ISO, and EN/European standards frameworks provide methods for evaluating halogen presence, emissions, and safety performance.

Applications for halogen-frie materials include electrical cables, building and construction materials, electronics housings, and automotive components. Adoption is driven by regulatory trends, safety objectives, and a push toward reducing toxic emissions during fires.