Halogénmentes

Halogénmentes refers to materials that do not contain halogens, which are elements from Group 17 of the periodic table, including fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine. In the context of materials science and manufacturing, this term is often used to describe plastics, cables, and electronic components. The absence of halogens is particularly important in applications where fire safety is a concern.

When halogenated materials burn, they release toxic and corrosive gases, such as hydrogen chloride or hydrogen bromide, which can impede escape during fires and damage equipment. Halogen-free alternatives are designed to emit significantly less smoke and fewer toxic fumes when exposed to heat or flames. This makes them a preferred choice for use in enclosed public spaces like trains, aircraft, and buildings where the rapid spread of smoke and toxic gases can be a major hazard.

The development of halogen-free materials involves using different flame retardant additives and polymer formulations. Common halogen-free flame retardants include metal hydroxides like aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide, which absorb heat and release water vapor, or phosphorus-based compounds. While these materials offer improved safety profiles, their performance characteristics, such as cost, processing, and specific flame retardant properties, can vary depending on the application and the specific formulation used. The trend towards halogen-free materials is driven by stricter environmental regulations and a growing emphasis on health and safety in product design.