![\"Consumer](\"https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/BFR-in-electronics.jpg\")
![\"IT](\"https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/BFR-in-IT.jpg\")
![\"White](\"https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/BFR-in-white-goods.jpg\")
According to the US Department of Homeland Security a fire can become life-threatening in just 2 minutes. It takes no more than 30 seconds for a small flame to burst into a sizable fire. It is clear that when you are trying to escape a fire, every second counts.
\nAccidental fires can start easily by many different reasons: for example\u00a0gas stoves, burning cigarettes, failing electronics \u2026 We all use highly flammable materials\u00a0in our homes, workspaces and public places on a daily basis, but we might not be aware of the risks they present.
\n\n
Over time more and more of these materials have become commonplace for all of us. We rely on them in every aspect of our lives. That is especially the case with electrical appliances and electronics. Our dependency on electronics has indeed increased our level of comfort and made our lives easier, but in the same time it decreased fire safety in our homes, offices, factories, public places \u2026
\nHow? All kinds of electronics contain a high level of plastics, or polymers. These plastics present a significant fire risk.
\nThe figures are clear, yet alarming:
\nThe time available to escape from a burning building shortened drastically from 17 minutes in the 70s to even less than 3 minutes in 2015.\u00a0Taking into account the pace of digital evolution, we will be seeing even more electronics in the future – everywhere. Does this mean that in a few years\u2019 time, trying to escape from a burning building will be futile? Do we have to \u2026 embrace our horrible faith in the event of fire?
\nLuckily, it won\u2019t go this far if we make use of brominated flame retardants. They make it possible to avoid or slow down the burning process, extending escape time and improving your chances of getting out safely.
\nFlame retardants are chemicals that are added to materials to slow down the ignition process in case of a fire. In that way they reduce risks of fire, property losses and \u2013 more importantly \u2013 human casualties.
\nGuillermo Rein is a Professor of Fire Science at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College London. For our previous newsletter we had an interesting talk with him about fire science and the importance of flame retardants in society. He states that adding flame retardants to plastics \u2018is the most successful way that we have right now to use plastics’.
\nAs we already pointed out, electronics and electrical appliances, such as televisions, computers, radios, fridges and washing machines mostly consist of a high volume of plastics, which are highly flammable.\u00a0Ignition may be initiated from both inside the device and from external sources.
\nAdding brominated flame retardants to these\u00a0materials helps them meet safety standards and protect their users, since they prevent ignition from inside and out. Professor Rein agrees that bromine is a vital element for fire safety: \u2018(\u2026) I see bromine as something that helps make plastics less flammable. It has a significant amount of abilities to really decrease flammability, and for me that is absolutely essential\u2019.
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\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Brominated flame retardants are being added in appliances\u2019 manufacturing process:
\n\n
The European Commission adopted a ban on halogenated flame retardants, which include brominated flame retardants, in the Ecodesign Directive\u2019s requirements for electronic displays on 1 October.
\nUnheard of, says BSEF. This ban goes beyond the scope of the Ecodesign Directive and subordinates RoHS, which should be the vehicle for any substance restrictions such as this one.
\nThe ban is being justified by the EC by stating that these halogenated flame retardants prevent WEEE plastics from being recycled. Well, this is not the case for the entire group of halogenated flame retardants.
\nBSEF, along with the plastics industry and recyclers are (and will be in the future) working on new technologies to address recycling properly. For many years now, it has been possible to recycle products containing brominated flame retardants. In fact, recycled plastics with brominated fire retardants in them, meet the same levels of fire safety as virgin material. No value is lost in the recycling process.
\nIn case recycling a particular product is not possible, we have provided a number of eco-efficient waste management options:
\nRead more about BSEF\u2019s take on this ban in our press release: BSEF objects to ban on halogenated flame retardants in EU ecodesign requirements for electronic displays.
\nIntrigued about the importance of fire safety and flame retardancy?
\nProfessor\u00a0Masaru Kitano of the\u00a0Shukutoku\u00a0University in Japan brought together his experiences, thoughts and views on fire safety and flame retardancy science\u00a0in his book \u2018Introduction to flame retardancy \u2013 Protect your life and property from fire\u2019, and BSEF is proud to have worked on the translation of his book.
\nIt is a highly fascinating book that applies to\u00a0every one\u00a0of us, since fire safety also affects every one of us. Read more about it:\u00a0\u2018Introduction to flame retardancy: the book\u2019.
\n![\"Professor](\"https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/book-flame-retardancy.jpg\")
Professor Kitano\u2019s book is not for sale. If you are interested in reading it, please contact us and we will be happy to send you an exclusive copy!
\nSend your request to letstalkbromine@bsef.org.
\nSOURCES
\nhttps://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2018/03/08/response-dr-alexander-morgan-flame-retardants-uk-furniture-increase-smoke-toxicity-reduce-fire-growth-rate-chemosphere-2018-196-429-439/
\nhttps://www.flameretardants.eu
\nhttps://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2017/12/07/the-evolution-of-bromine-flame-retardants-towards-brominated-polymers/
\nhttps://www.bsef.com/fire-safety/
\nhttps://www.ready.gov/home-fires
\nhttps://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2017/12/07/the-evolution-of-bromine-flame-retardants-towards-brominated-polymers/
\nhttps://chemicalwatch.com/82803/industry-blasts-eu-ban-on-halogenated-flame-retardants-in-electronic-displays#overlay-strip
\nhttps://chemicalwatch.com/75831/ecodesign-directives-proposed-halogens-ban-not-a-precedent-eu-says#overlay-strip
\nhttps://pr.euractiv.com/pr/proposed-eu-eco-design-regulation-electronic-displays-ban-halogenated-flame-retardants-casings
The post The role of brominated flame retardants in electric and electronic appliances appeared first on Let's talk bromine.
\n", "content_text": "Fire spreads rapidly: escape time is limited\nAccording to the US Department of Homeland Security a fire can become life-threatening in just 2 minutes. It takes no more than 30 seconds for a small flame to burst into a sizable fire. It is clear that when you are trying to escape a fire, every second counts.\nAccidental fires can start easily by many different reasons: for example\u00a0gas stoves, burning cigarettes, failing electronics \u2026 We all use highly flammable materials\u00a0in our homes, workspaces and public places on a daily basis, but we might not be aware of the risks they present.\nThese materials are especially flammable:\u00a0\n\nElectrical appliances and electronics\nSynthetics and fibres\u00a0such as upholstered furniture, carpets, wall coverings and drapery\nInsulation material\n\n \nThe impact of our electronics addiction on fire safety\nOver time more and more of these materials have become commonplace for all of us. We rely on them in every aspect of our lives. That is especially the case with electrical appliances and electronics. Our dependency on electronics has indeed increased our level of comfort and made our lives easier, but in the same time it decreased fire safety in our homes, offices, factories, public places \u2026\nHow? All kinds of electronics contain a high level of plastics, or polymers. These plastics present a significant fire risk.\nThe figures are clear, yet alarming:\nThe time available to escape from a burning building shortened drastically from 17 minutes in the 70s to even less than 3 minutes in 2015.\u00a0Taking into account the pace of digital evolution, we will be seeing even more electronics in the future – everywhere. Does this mean that in a few years\u2019 time, trying to escape from a burning building will be futile? Do we have to \u2026 embrace our horrible faith in the event of fire?\nLuckily, it won\u2019t go this far if we make use of brominated flame retardants. They make it possible to avoid or slow down the burning process, extending escape time and improving your chances of getting out safely.\nWhy are flame retardants so important?\nFlame retardants are chemicals that are added to materials to slow down the ignition process in case of a fire. In that way they reduce risks of fire, property losses and \u2013 more importantly \u2013 human casualties.\nGuillermo Rein is a Professor of Fire Science at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College London. For our previous newsletter we had an interesting talk with him about fire science and the importance of flame retardants in society. He states that adding flame retardants to plastics \u2018is the most successful way that we have right now to use plastics’.\nBromine reduces fire risk in electronics\nAs we already pointed out, electronics and electrical appliances, such as televisions, computers, radios, fridges and washing machines mostly consist of a high volume of plastics, which are highly flammable.\u00a0Ignition may be initiated from both inside the device and from external sources.\n\n\n\nAdding brominated flame retardants to these\u00a0materials helps them meet safety standards and protect their users, since they prevent ignition from inside and out. Professor Rein agrees that bromine is a vital element for fire safety: \u2018(\u2026) I see bromine as something that helps make plastics less flammable. It has a significant amount of abilities to really decrease flammability, and for me that is absolutely essential\u2019.\nWhere are brominated flame retardants used?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nBrominated flame retardants are being added in appliances\u2019 manufacturing process:\n\nthey can either be added\u00a0when manufacturing the\u00a0polymer materials, or\nwhen manufacturing the printed circuit boards, in which case they react with materials such as epoxy.\n\n \nBan on halogenated flame retardants in electronic display\nThe European Commission adopted a ban on halogenated flame retardants, which include brominated flame retardants, in the Ecodesign Directive\u2019s requirements for electronic displays on 1 October.\nUnheard of, says BSEF. This ban goes beyond the scope of the Ecodesign Directive and subordinates RoHS, which should be the vehicle for any substance restrictions such as this one.\nBrominated flame retardants are recyclable\nThe ban is being justified by the EC by stating that these halogenated flame retardants prevent WEEE plastics from being recycled. Well, this is not the case for the entire group of halogenated flame retardants.\nBSEF, along with the plastics industry and recyclers are (and will be in the future) working on new technologies to address recycling properly. For many years now, it has been possible to recycle products containing brominated flame retardants. In fact, recycled plastics with brominated fire retardants in them, meet the same levels of fire safety as virgin material. No value is lost in the recycling process.\nIn case recycling a particular product is not possible, we have provided a number of eco-efficient waste management options:\n\nincineration with energy recovery,\nprecious metals melting, or\nchemical recycling, which even allows the bromine to re-enter the circular economy as valuable resource.\n\nRead more about BSEF\u2019s take on this ban in our press release: BSEF objects to ban on halogenated flame retardants in EU ecodesign requirements for electronic displays.\nWant to know more about flame retardancy?\nIntrigued about the importance of fire safety and flame retardancy?\nProfessor\u00a0Masaru Kitano of the\u00a0Shukutoku\u00a0University in Japan brought together his experiences, thoughts and views on fire safety and flame retardancy science\u00a0in his book \u2018Introduction to flame retardancy \u2013 Protect your life and property from fire\u2019, and BSEF is proud to have worked on the translation of his book.\nIt is a highly fascinating book that applies to\u00a0every one\u00a0of us, since fire safety also affects every one of us. Read more about it:\u00a0\u2018Introduction to flame retardancy: the book\u2019.\n\nWant your exclusive copy of \u2018Introduction to flame retardancy\u2019?\nProfessor Kitano\u2019s book is not for sale. If you are interested in reading it, please contact us and we will be happy to send you an exclusive copy!\nSend your request to letstalkbromine@bsef.org.\nSOURCES\nhttps://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2018/03/08/response-dr-alexander-morgan-flame-retardants-uk-furniture-increase-smoke-toxicity-reduce-fire-growth-rate-chemosphere-2018-196-429-439/\nhttps://www.flameretardants.eu\nhttps://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2017/12/07/the-evolution-of-bromine-flame-retardants-towards-brominated-polymers/\nhttps://www.bsef.com/fire-safety/\nhttps://www.ready.gov/home-fires\nhttps://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2017/12/07/the-evolution-of-bromine-flame-retardants-towards-brominated-polymers/\nhttps://chemicalwatch.com/82803/industry-blasts-eu-ban-on-halogenated-flame-retardants-in-electronic-displays#overlay-strip\nhttps://chemicalwatch.com/75831/ecodesign-directives-proposed-halogens-ban-not-a-precedent-eu-says#overlay-strip\nhttps://pr.euractiv.com/pr/proposed-eu-eco-design-regulation-electronic-displays-ban-halogenated-flame-retardants-casings\nThe post The role of brominated flame retardants in electric and electronic appliances appeared first on Let's talk bromine.", "date_published": "2019-12-10T15:55:41+00:00", "date_modified": "2019-12-11T13:50:52+00:00", "author": { "name": "admin", "url": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0428b8e4964fa7634cc8733194ee5bbe?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/header1.png", "tags": [ "brominated flame retardants", "bromine", "bsef", "fire safety", "flame retardants", "Guillermo Rein", "masaru kitano", "Fire retardancy", "Recycling" ] }, { "id": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2019/06/19/bsef-around-the-world-bsef-china-takes-part-in-the-2019-international-cpca-shanghai/", "url": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2019/06/19/bsef-around-the-world-bsef-china-takes-part-in-the-2019-international-cpca-shanghai/", "title": "BSEF around the World: BSEF China takes part in the 2019 International CPCA (Shanghai)", "content_html": "From March 19 to March 21, the International Bromine Council (BSEF) participated in the 2019 International CPCA (Shanghai) Show, with the theme of its exhibition stand \u201cFlame Retardant Expert of Printed Circuit Board– TBBPA\u201d.
\nOver 250 visitors dropped by the BSEF booth and nearly 100 participated in our questionnaire.
\nTBBPA is the best choice to ensure PCB to reach the fireproofing grade V0 of UL94. As an important flame retardant substance which can be developing in a continuous way, TBBPA will never constitute a threat to people\u2019s body health and the environment in the major application fields. 90% of TBBPA is used as the reactive fire retardant (producing brominated epoxy polymer) to apply to the printed circuit board of the electronic and electrical appliance. In that process, TBBPA will never exist in its original form through covalent binding or being \u201creacted\u201d to the polymer matrix. As a result, TBBPA hardly has no potential to be discharged to the air. Lower than 20% of TBBPA is used as raw material of brominated low polymer and polymer (covalent binding) and as the additive flame retardant of ABS plastics. In this process, it is sealed in the polymer matrix so that it is not likely for people to contact with it.
\nIn late 2013, Canada published the filtering and assessment report on TBBPA, indicating that TBBPA has a negligible influence on human health. In 2011, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published the result of a study on the risks of the TBBPA and its ramification exposure to food, showing that \u201cthe amount of the TBBPA exposed to food in the EU will not trigger the concern about health\u201d.
\nAccording to the result of an eight- year risk assessment of the TBBPA issued by the EU in 2008, the TBBPA causes a lower environmental risk which can be controlled.
\nUnder EU RoHS, the European Commission launched an assessment of TBBPA in early 2018 and planned to finish it in late 2019.
\n\n
The post BSEF around the World: BSEF China takes part in the 2019 International CPCA (Shanghai) appeared first on Let's talk bromine.
\n", "content_text": "From March 19 to March 21, the International Bromine Council (BSEF) participated in the 2019 International CPCA (Shanghai) Show, with the theme of its exhibition stand \u201cFlame Retardant Expert of Printed Circuit Board– TBBPA\u201d.\nOver 250 visitors dropped by the BSEF booth and nearly 100 participated in our questionnaire.\nTBBPA is the best choice to ensure PCB to reach the fireproofing grade V0 of UL94. As an important flame retardant substance which can be developing in a continuous way, TBBPA will never constitute a threat to people\u2019s body health and the environment in the major application fields. 90% of TBBPA is used as the reactive fire retardant (producing brominated epoxy polymer) to apply to the printed circuit board of the electronic and electrical appliance. In that process, TBBPA will never exist in its original form through covalent binding or being \u201creacted\u201d to the polymer matrix. As a result, TBBPA hardly has no potential to be discharged to the air. Lower than 20% of TBBPA is used as raw material of brominated low polymer and polymer (covalent binding) and as the additive flame retardant of ABS plastics. In this process, it is sealed in the polymer matrix so that it is not likely for people to contact with it.\nIn late 2013, Canada published the filtering and assessment report on TBBPA, indicating that TBBPA has a negligible influence on human health. In 2011, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published the result of a study on the risks of the TBBPA and its ramification exposure to food, showing that \u201cthe amount of the TBBPA exposed to food in the EU will not trigger the concern about health\u201d.\nAccording to the result of an eight- year risk assessment of the TBBPA issued by the EU in 2008, the TBBPA causes a lower environmental risk which can be controlled.\nUnder EU RoHS, the European Commission launched an assessment of TBBPA in early 2018 and planned to finish it in late 2019.\n \nThe post BSEF around the World: BSEF China takes part in the 2019 International CPCA (Shanghai) appeared first on Let's talk bromine.", "date_published": "2019-06-19T11:47:45+00:00", "date_modified": "2019-06-20T09:52:45+00:00", "author": { "name": "admin", "url": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0428b8e4964fa7634cc8733194ee5bbe?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Aroundtheworld.jpg", "tags": [ "bromine", "bsef", "fire safety", "flame retardants", "TBBPA", "Fire retardancy", "General news" ] }, { "id": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2019/06/19/making-electrical-electronic-equipment-safe/", "url": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2019/06/19/making-electrical-electronic-equipment-safe/", "title": "Making electrical & electronic equipment safe", "content_html": "The last 20 years have seen a dramatic rise in the amount and variety of electrical and electronic equipment (E&E) in houses, offices and public buildings.
\nBetween 2015 and 2016, the amount of electrical and electronic equipment put on the market increased by 2.9\u00a0% from 9.8 million tonnes to 10.1 million tonnes in the EU.[1]
\nThe proliferation of electronic devices such as mobile phones, televisions, computers, tablets or laptops. has been matched by a bustuing in the use of plastics.
\nWhile these devices make work, living and commercial spaces much more practical, versatile and comfortable, they simultaneously increase the fire risk as many of these polymers can be highly flammable.
\nFor example, electronic appliances can easily ignite or burn rapidly if they are not adequately protected and compliant with high fire safety standards. \u00a0Brominated flame retardant technologies, are helping to address the complex challenges posed by the diversity of materials used in electrical and electronic products.
\n[1]https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Waste_statistics_-_electrical_and_electronic_equipment
\nPlastics are versatile, diverse, mouldable and lightweight, which is why this material is very popular to use in the production of electrical equipment and electronic appliances.
\nThe high volume of plastics in this kind of equipment poses a fire risk. Most E&E devices contain 1 to 9kg of plastic materials; often used in thin sheets and relatively easy to ignite when in contact with internal and external electrical current and heat sources.
\nThat\u2019s why it is very important to if they are being used anywhere near an electrical current as well as other sources of heat or ignition.
\nIncorporating brominated flame retardants (BFRs) into polymers components\u00a0gives flame retardant properties. BFRs can either be added to polymer materials during production or can be reacted with materials such as epoxy used in the manufacture of printed circuit boards.
\n![\"\"](\"https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/5.-Electronics.png\")
Consumers have the right to expect products which are efficient, reliable and safe. For that reason the Flame retardant industry has been committed to developed innovative products that meet the most stringent fire safety requirements. National governments are also attentive to the products that may not meet the fire safety requirements. For example, the UK government recently ordered to recall 500,000 tumble dryers due to fire safety concerns.
Thanks to the presence of brominated flame retardants in electronic devices and electrical equipment, the flammability risk is much reduced.
\nBrominated flame retardants provide the necessary flame retardancy\u00a0to resist both ignition from the inside, as well as ignition from external sources. Two vital requirements that are essential in preventing fire and ensuring human safety.
\nCheck our website if you would like to know more about the benefits of brominated flame retardants in increasing fire safety.
\n\n
SOURCES
\nhttp://bsef.com/
\nhttp://pr.euractiv.com/pr/proposed-eu-eco-design-regulation-electronic-displays-ban-halogenated-flame-retardants-casings
\nhttps://chemicalwatch.com/75001/proposed-ecodesign-ban-on-halogenated-flame-retardants-under-scrutiny
\nhttp://ecostandard.org/ecos-and-partners-welcome-ban-on-halogenated-flame-retardants-in-electronic-displays/
The post Making electrical & electronic equipment safe appeared first on Let's talk bromine.
\n", "content_text": "The last 20 years have seen a dramatic rise in the amount and variety of electrical and electronic equipment (E&E) in houses, offices and public buildings.\nBetween 2015 and 2016, the amount of electrical and electronic equipment put on the market increased by 2.9\u00a0% from 9.8 million tonnes to 10.1 million tonnes in the EU.[1]\nThe proliferation of electronic devices such as mobile phones, televisions, computers, tablets or laptops. has been matched by a bustuing in the use of plastics.\nWhile these devices make work, living and commercial spaces much more practical, versatile and comfortable, they simultaneously increase the fire risk as many of these polymers can be highly flammable.\nFor example, electronic appliances can easily ignite or burn rapidly if they are not adequately protected and compliant with high fire safety standards. \u00a0Brominated flame retardant technologies, are helping to address the complex challenges posed by the diversity of materials used in electrical and electronic products.\n[1]https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Waste_statistics_-_electrical_and_electronic_equipment\n\n\n\nBrominated flame retardants in the production process\nPlastics are versatile, diverse, mouldable and lightweight, which is why this material is very popular to use in the production of electrical equipment and electronic appliances.\nThe high volume of plastics in this kind of equipment poses a fire risk. Most E&E devices contain 1 to 9kg of plastic materials; often used in thin sheets and relatively easy to ignite when in contact with internal and external electrical current and heat sources.\nThat\u2019s why it is very important to if they are being used anywhere near an electrical current as well as other sources of heat or ignition.\nIncorporating brominated flame retardants (BFRs) into polymers components\u00a0gives flame retardant properties. BFRs can either be added to polymer materials during production or can be reacted with materials such as epoxy used in the manufacture of printed circuit boards.\nEnsure fire safety\nConsumers have the right to expect products which are efficient, reliable and safe. For that reason the Flame retardant industry has been committed to developed innovative products that meet the most stringent fire safety requirements. National governments are also attentive to the products that may not meet the fire safety requirements. For example, the UK government recently ordered to recall 500,000 tumble dryers due to fire safety concerns.\nThanks to the presence of brominated flame retardants in electronic devices and electrical equipment, the flammability risk is much reduced.\nBrominated flame retardants provide the necessary flame retardancy\u00a0to resist both ignition from the inside, as well as ignition from external sources. Two vital requirements that are essential in preventing fire and ensuring human safety.\nCheck our website if you would like to know more about the benefits of brominated flame retardants in increasing fire safety.\n \nSOURCES\nhttp://bsef.com/\nhttp://pr.euractiv.com/pr/proposed-eu-eco-design-regulation-electronic-displays-ban-halogenated-flame-retardants-casings\nhttps://chemicalwatch.com/75001/proposed-ecodesign-ban-on-halogenated-flame-retardants-under-scrutiny\nhttp://ecostandard.org/ecos-and-partners-welcome-ban-on-halogenated-flame-retardants-in-electronic-displays/\nThe post Making electrical & electronic equipment safe appeared first on Let's talk bromine.", "date_published": "2019-06-19T11:46:02+00:00", "date_modified": "2019-06-20T10:15:28+00:00", "author": { "name": "admin", "url": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0428b8e4964fa7634cc8733194ee5bbe?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/FireSafety-2.png", "tags": [ "bromine", "bsef", "ecoban", "fire safety", "flame retardants", "halogenated flame retardants", "Fire retardancy", "General news" ] }, { "id": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2019/06/19/meet-the-experts-professor-guillermo/", "url": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2019/06/19/meet-the-experts-professor-guillermo/", "title": "Meet the Experts: Professor Guillermo Rein", "content_html": "For this edition of Meet the Experts we spoke with a renowned figure in the field of Fire Science. We talked with Guillermo Rein, professor of Fire Science at the Department of Mechanical Engineering of Imperial College London.
\nHis ample research and projects focus on fire, heat transfer and combustion. The main purpose of his work is to reduce the worldwide burden of accidental fires and\u00a0protect people, their property, and the environment. He especially enjoys solving multidisciplinary problems combining experimental and modelling techniques.
\nMake sure to read our interview below if you would you like to know more about professor Rein\u2019s expertise and his view on the role and the future of fire safety.
\n![\"\"](\"https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/1.-Professor-Guillermo-Rein.png\")
\u00a9 Image by Joe McGory via Imperial College London.
Guillermo Rein gained his years of experience through extensive practice and education: he studied Mechanical Engineering at ICAI Universidad Pontificia Comillas (Ingeniero Industrial, 1999) and also holds an MSc\u00a0(2003) and PhD\u00a0(2005) from the University of California at Berkeley.
\nHe has studied a wide range of fire dynamics topics\u00a0in the built and the natural environments, including pyrolysis, smouldering, fire modeling, wildfires, structures and fire, design methodologies and forecasting techniques.
\nRein is also Editor-in-Chief of the journal Fire Technology and he leads the research group Imperial Hazelab. Moreover, he is an extremely motivated teacher, enthusiastic about the education of the next generation of engineers, and passionate about outreach in engineering.
\nHis work is well-known and has been recognised internationally with various research awards\u00a0including: 2018 SFPE Guise Medal, 2017 The Engineer Collaborate-to-Innovate Prize, 2017 Combustion Institute Sugden Award, 2016 SFPE Lund Award.
\nGuillermo, as a Professor of Fire Science at the Department of Mechanical Engineering of Imperial College London, could you tell us what moved you to study and work on this area and what exactly is fire science?
\nI\u2019m a mechanical engineer, both in my bachelor\u2019s degree and my master degree and my PhD. And when I was finishing my PhD I was working at the University of California in Berkeley helping to understand how polymers burn in space, how plastics burn in space, inside a spacecraft, because there is no gravity.
\nAnd when I graduated I thought that was an absolutely fascinating topic: to protect the lives of people and to go to space, to go to Mars. And then I wanted to have an academic career on Earth. So I have my background in mechanical engineering and heat transfer and combustion and chemistry. And I use all that to understand fires on earth, in buildings and forests, so I can protect and help citizens, properties and the environment.
\nFire science is the scientific branch to discover knowledge on how fires behave, how they ignite, how they spread, how they emit smoke and how they can be suppressed. This scientific knowledge is then given to engineers and authorities, who can then use that knowledge to create new technologies, combine it with previous things that they know work or to create new things. And little by little, by combining knowledge and engineering we can create a safer world.\u00a0
\nProf. Isaac Asimov\u00a0(1920-1992) said that \u201cFire is the greatest single discovery in human history\u201d, could you briefly explain to us how you see the progression of fire safety?
\n\u00a0So fire safety engineering is facing a significant number of challenges, but we like to convert these challenges into opportunities. They are all opportunities to do things even better. Things that are on the forefront right now are facades, because of known tragedies that have happened recently. The facade is a very important part of the building and for the last 30 or 40 years polymers/plastics have been integrated into facades to make them even better, lighter, more beautiful and insulating, etc. It has all these incredible benefits, but all polymers have a degree of flammability, all plastics can burn. Some of them are really hard to ignite, although they spread very slowly, some of them are really easy to ignite and they will spread really fast. And it is up to the engineers to manipulate those properties and to choose a polymer in such an amount and to put it in a location in the structure of a fa\u00e7ade or any structure so that flammability is as low as is required for the safety of the people in the building.
\nIn the end, in general, we humans are addicted to plastics to polymers. It is a well-known addiction that has many benefits for society, but it has 2 issues: one is biodegradability (not al polymers can be degraded) and the other one is that all polymers are flammable.
\nFire science is a discipline of knowledge creation that helps engineers to manipulate those properties so they can actually create polymers with lower levels of flammability.
\n![\"\"](\"https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/1.-Professor-Guillermo-Rein3.png\")
In the last 20 years there has been a dramatic rise in the amounts of plastics around us and the presence of flammable materials in our homes and appliances. The\u00a0Guardian\u00a0(2017) predicts that plastic production will increase by 40% in the next ten years. Can you tell us the role and the importance of flame retardants in society?
Flame retardants are a variety of components that are \u201cretardant\u201d. Retardancy makes plastic less flammable. There are many ways to achieve this, some of them are more in the scientific realm, some of them are more related to reality and the current industry.
\nAdding flame retardants, which are an additive that is added to the plastic, as it is being manufactured is a specific way to achieve this. Actually it is based on the chemical alteration and the physical properties of the plastic. It is a very important engineering step. Actually it is the most successful way that we have right now to use plastics and have them as safe as we need them to be: by adding retardants.\u00a0
\nWhen there is a fire, retardants can act chemically or physically, the two of them are possible. My research in particular is based more on the physical side. When you add new components to the polymer/plastic, they will heat up slower when there is a fire and only ignite later on (you can control how late). And even when they catch on fire, they will burn slowly and when there is time to suppress the fire, it will be easy to suppress. For my specific research I try to modify all these properties physically, but there is also the possibility to modify them chemically: when the polymer starts to ignite, it releases a gas that actually stops the flame from forming further.
\nWe have assisted to an evolution on the various flame retardant technologies. Can you tell us about the findings from research/papers that you are working on and how that data will have an impact in the future of flame retardancy?
\nMy specific research focuses on how to physically alter the properties of plastics so that it heats up slower, ignites later and only allows fire to spread slowly. As we speak I am working with companies that have found value in this way of altering the properties of plastics. The results of my research are being published and read as we speak.
\nI will probably start working soon on composites, the strongest polymer that is known to man, (they are sometimes even stronger than steel). These are used in aerospace, cars, trains and ships. And there is a desire from citizens and engineers to use more of these composites. They are very strong and light, which means there is less fuel consumption, more fuel efficiency and energy savings, less pollution and less environmental impact. All beautiful results because of composites. But because plastic is involved, they always have some degree of flammability. I will be working with companies to decrease that level of flammability so the risk will be as small as when you have a train or a ship made of metal.
\nBromine, due to its characteristics, plays a key role to help meeting fire safety standards. New brominated technologies have been developed such as the Brominated Butadiene-Styrene Block Co-polymer. Can you tell us your views on the benefits of brominated flame retardants?
\nBromine is one of the chemical elements that, when added, can make plastic less flammable. It is a flame retardant that acts chemically, not physically. My expertise is not on chemical flame retardants. But as an engineer I see bromine as something that helps make plastics less flammable. It has a significant amount of abilities to really decrease flammability, and for me that is absolutely essential. No matter how it is achieved, but decreasing the flammability or having the ability to control the flammability of a polymer to a required level is absolutely essential. And my understanding is that brominated flame retardants do this.\u00a0 \u00a0
\nThe importance of flame retardants is not always understood by the public or the media. Do you think that flame retardants chemistries are undermined? What is your view on Flammability vs. Toxicology?
\nThe worst thing that can happen is to have even more plastics, which is what all the trends are showing, and allow them to be as flammable as they are right now or even more flammable.
\nFire safety engineering is a really tough profession. Because the more we succeed at protecting the citizens, and decreasing fatalities, and decreasing damage and fires, the faster society forgets about us. We practise a profession where people only know that we exist, when we fail. The more we succeed in our field, the more we are forgotten by citizens.
\nA fire hazard is not an opinion, it is an actual fact. So it is absolutely essential that citizens are guided in the process of looking into concerns about toxicology.
\nThere is an ongoing discussion in the UK, US and the European union about a trade-off between flammability and perceived toxicology of some elements that have been added to polymers. And not when the polymer is burning, but even when the polymer is not burning yet. And I as an engineer feel very uncomfortable about a trade-off of two risks, because it is like saying: \u201cBoth are risks, but I want to decrease one, by increasing the other or vice versa\u201d, and that is very dangerous. Because if you don\u2019t approach this trade-off with a full and complete understanding of the consequences of manipulating the risks, then you are taking the wrong decisions. So I would recommend authorities to prevent flammability and toxicology being minimised, without modifying the other. Or that they invest tremendously in fire science and toxicology so that we can figure it out and understand these two risks. And then maybe a trade-off is allowed. \u00a0\u00a0
\nSOURCES
\nhttps://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/g.rein
\nhttps://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/g.rein/cv/GRein_CV.pdf
\nhttp://bsef.com/
\nhttps://www.iawfonline.org/members/guillermo-rein/
\n
The post Meet the Experts: Professor Guillermo Rein appeared first on Let's talk bromine.
\n", "content_text": "For this edition of Meet the Experts we spoke with a renowned figure in the field of Fire Science. We talked with Guillermo Rein, professor of Fire Science at the Department of Mechanical Engineering of Imperial College London.\nHis ample research and projects focus on fire, heat transfer and combustion. The main purpose of his work is to reduce the worldwide burden of accidental fires and\u00a0protect people, their property, and the environment. He especially enjoys solving multidisciplinary problems combining experimental and modelling techniques.\nMake sure to read our interview below if you would you like to know more about professor Rein\u2019s expertise and his view on the role and the future of fire safety.\n\u00a9 Image by Joe McGory via Imperial College London.\nAuthority in the field\nGuillermo Rein gained his years of experience through extensive practice and education: he studied Mechanical Engineering at ICAI Universidad Pontificia Comillas (Ingeniero Industrial, 1999) and also holds an MSc\u00a0(2003) and PhD\u00a0(2005) from the University of California at Berkeley.\nHe has studied a wide range of fire dynamics topics\u00a0in the built and the natural environments, including pyrolysis, smouldering, fire modeling, wildfires, structures and fire, design methodologies and forecasting techniques.\nRein is also Editor-in-Chief of the journal Fire Technology and he leads the research group Imperial Hazelab. Moreover, he is an extremely motivated teacher, enthusiastic about the education of the next generation of engineers, and passionate about outreach in engineering.\nHis work is well-known and has been recognised internationally with various research awards\u00a0including: 2018 SFPE Guise Medal, 2017 The Engineer Collaborate-to-Innovate Prize, 2017 Combustion Institute Sugden Award, 2016 SFPE Lund Award.\nConversation with a specialist\nGuillermo, as a Professor of Fire Science at the Department of Mechanical Engineering of Imperial College London, could you tell us what moved you to study and work on this area and what exactly is fire science?\nI\u2019m a mechanical engineer, both in my bachelor\u2019s degree and my master degree and my PhD. And when I was finishing my PhD I was working at the University of California in Berkeley helping to understand how polymers burn in space, how plastics burn in space, inside a spacecraft, because there is no gravity. \nAnd when I graduated I thought that was an absolutely fascinating topic: to protect the lives of people and to go to space, to go to Mars. And then I wanted to have an academic career on Earth. So I have my background in mechanical engineering and heat transfer and combustion and chemistry. And I use all that to understand fires on earth, in buildings and forests, so I can protect and help citizens, properties and the environment.\nFire science is the scientific branch to discover knowledge on how fires behave, how they ignite, how they spread, how they emit smoke and how they can be suppressed. This scientific knowledge is then given to engineers and authorities, who can then use that knowledge to create new technologies, combine it with previous things that they know work or to create new things. And little by little, by combining knowledge and engineering we can create a safer world.\u00a0\nProf. Isaac Asimov\u00a0(1920-1992) said that \u201cFire is the greatest single discovery in human history\u201d, could you briefly explain to us how you see the progression of fire safety?\n\u00a0So fire safety engineering is facing a significant number of challenges, but we like to convert these challenges into opportunities. They are all opportunities to do things even better. Things that are on the forefront right now are facades, because of known tragedies that have happened recently. The facade is a very important part of the building and for the last 30 or 40 years polymers/plastics have been integrated into facades to make them even better, lighter, more beautiful and insulating, etc. It has all these incredible benefits, but all polymers have a degree of flammability, all plastics can burn. Some of them are really hard to ignite, although they spread very slowly, some of them are really easy to ignite and they will spread really fast. And it is up to the engineers to manipulate those properties and to choose a polymer in such an amount and to put it in a location in the structure of a fa\u00e7ade or any structure so that flammability is as low as is required for the safety of the people in the building.\nIn the end, in general, we humans are addicted to plastics to polymers. It is a well-known addiction that has many benefits for society, but it has 2 issues: one is biodegradability (not al polymers can be degraded) and the other one is that all polymers are flammable. \nFire science is a discipline of knowledge creation that helps engineers to manipulate those properties so they can actually create polymers with lower levels of flammability.\nIn the last 20 years there has been a dramatic rise in the amounts of plastics around us and the presence of flammable materials in our homes and appliances. The\u00a0Guardian\u00a0(2017) predicts that plastic production will increase by 40% in the next ten years. Can you tell us the role and the importance of flame retardants in society?\nFlame retardants are a variety of components that are \u201cretardant\u201d. Retardancy makes plastic less flammable. There are many ways to achieve this, some of them are more in the scientific realm, some of them are more related to reality and the current industry. \nAdding flame retardants, which are an additive that is added to the plastic, as it is being manufactured is a specific way to achieve this. Actually it is based on the chemical alteration and the physical properties of the plastic. It is a very important engineering step. Actually it is the most successful way that we have right now to use plastics and have them as safe as we need them to be: by adding retardants.\u00a0\nWhen there is a fire, retardants can act chemically or physically, the two of them are possible. My research in particular is based more on the physical side. When you add new components to the polymer/plastic, they will heat up slower when there is a fire and only ignite later on (you can control how late). And even when they catch on fire, they will burn slowly and when there is time to suppress the fire, it will be easy to suppress. For my specific research I try to modify all these properties physically, but there is also the possibility to modify them chemically: when the polymer starts to ignite, it releases a gas that actually stops the flame from forming further.\nWe have assisted to an evolution on the various flame retardant technologies. Can you tell us about the findings from research/papers that you are working on and how that data will have an impact in the future of flame retardancy?\nMy specific research focuses on how to physically alter the properties of plastics so that it heats up slower, ignites later and only allows fire to spread slowly. As we speak I am working with companies that have found value in this way of altering the properties of plastics. The results of my research are being published and read as we speak. \nI will probably start working soon on composites, the strongest polymer that is known to man, (they are sometimes even stronger than steel). These are used in aerospace, cars, trains and ships. And there is a desire from citizens and engineers to use more of these composites. They are very strong and light, which means there is less fuel consumption, more fuel efficiency and energy savings, less pollution and less environmental impact. All beautiful results because of composites. But because plastic is involved, they always have some degree of flammability. I will be working with companies to decrease that level of flammability so the risk will be as small as when you have a train or a ship made of metal.\nBromine, due to its characteristics, plays a key role to help meeting fire safety standards. New brominated technologies have been developed such as the Brominated Butadiene-Styrene Block Co-polymer. Can you tell us your views on the benefits of brominated flame retardants?\nBromine is one of the chemical elements that, when added, can make plastic less flammable. It is a flame retardant that acts chemically, not physically. My expertise is not on chemical flame retardants. But as an engineer I see bromine as something that helps make plastics less flammable. It has a significant amount of abilities to really decrease flammability, and for me that is absolutely essential. No matter how it is achieved, but decreasing the flammability or having the ability to control the flammability of a polymer to a required level is absolutely essential. And my understanding is that brominated flame retardants do this.\u00a0 \u00a0\nThe importance of flame retardants is not always understood by the public or the media. Do you think that flame retardants chemistries are undermined? What is your view on Flammability vs. Toxicology?\nThe worst thing that can happen is to have even more plastics, which is what all the trends are showing, and allow them to be as flammable as they are right now or even more flammable.\nFire safety engineering is a really tough profession. Because the more we succeed at protecting the citizens, and decreasing fatalities, and decreasing damage and fires, the faster society forgets about us. We practise a profession where people only know that we exist, when we fail. The more we succeed in our field, the more we are forgotten by citizens. \nA fire hazard is not an opinion, it is an actual fact. So it is absolutely essential that citizens are guided in the process of looking into concerns about toxicology. \nThere is an ongoing discussion in the UK, US and the European union about a trade-off between flammability and perceived toxicology of some elements that have been added to polymers. And not when the polymer is burning, but even when the polymer is not burning yet. And I as an engineer feel very uncomfortable about a trade-off of two risks, because it is like saying: \u201cBoth are risks, but I want to decrease one, by increasing the other or vice versa\u201d, and that is very dangerous. Because if you don\u2019t approach this trade-off with a full and complete understanding of the consequences of manipulating the risks, then you are taking the wrong decisions. So I would recommend authorities to prevent flammability and toxicology being minimised, without modifying the other. Or that they invest tremendously in fire science and toxicology so that we can figure it out and understand these two risks. And then maybe a trade-off is allowed. \u00a0\u00a0\nSOURCES\nhttps://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/g.rein\nhttps://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/g.rein/cv/GRein_CV.pdf\nhttp://bsef.com/\nhttps://www.iawfonline.org/members/guillermo-rein/\n\nThe post Meet the Experts: Professor Guillermo Rein appeared first on Let's talk bromine.", "date_published": "2019-06-19T11:42:55+00:00", "date_modified": "2019-06-24T13:15:21+00:00", "author": { "name": "admin", "url": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0428b8e4964fa7634cc8733194ee5bbe?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Guillermo_interview_i2.jpg", "tags": [ "bsef", "fire safety", "fire science", "flame retardants", "Guillermo Rein", "Imperial College London", "mechanical engineering", "polymers", "Fire retardancy", "General news" ] }, { "id": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2019/03/05/bsef-japan-exhibited-automotive-world-2019/", "url": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2019/03/05/bsef-japan-exhibited-automotive-world-2019/", "title": "BSEF Japan exhibited at Automotive World 2019", "content_html": "For the 3rd consecutive year, the BSEF global representative in Japan exhibited at Automotive World 2019 (the Car Lightweight Technology Expo) that took place from the 16th until the 18th January, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan.
\nThe “Automotive Lightweight Technology Expo” is a unique trade show featuring all kinds of Components/Materials and Molding/Processing Technologies for automotive weight reduction.
\nDuring the 3-Day conference that counted more than 30 thousand visitors, BSEF Japan had the opportunity to communicate around the many benefits of brominated flame retardant technologies used in the automotive industry and present the multiple solutions for cable electronic applications and interior parts, among others.
\n![\"\"](\"https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BSEF_Newsletter_Q1_2019_Event_Japan.png\")
\n
Lightweight technologies play a significant role in the improvement of fuel efficiency without giving up enhancing safety and comfort. The trend towards light weighting allowing all means of transport to travel at higher speed and in a more energy-efficient manner, has also heightened the risk of fire.
\nThanks to decades of innovation a wide range of tailor-made flame retardants solutions are in place across the transport industry to address the flammability hazard of materials used in various components.
\nBromine-based solutions provide a critical layer of protection and in recent years have become an invisible component that vastly improves drivers and travellers’ safety.
\n\n
The post BSEF Japan exhibited at Automotive World 2019 appeared first on Let's talk bromine.
\n", "content_text": "For the 3rd consecutive year, the BSEF global representative in Japan exhibited at Automotive World 2019 (the Car Lightweight Technology Expo) that took place from the 16th until the 18th January, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan.\nThe “Automotive Lightweight Technology Expo” is a unique trade show featuring all kinds of Components/Materials and Molding/Processing Technologies for automotive weight reduction.\nDuring the 3-Day conference that counted more than 30 thousand visitors, BSEF Japan had the opportunity to communicate around the many benefits of brominated flame retardant technologies used in the automotive industry and present the multiple solutions for cable electronic applications and interior parts, among others.\n\n \nHelping to meet the new challenge: lightweight for greater energy efficiency\nLightweight technologies play a significant role in the improvement of fuel efficiency without giving up enhancing safety and comfort. The trend towards light weighting allowing all means of transport to travel at higher speed and in a more energy-efficient manner, has also heightened the risk of fire.\nThanks to decades of innovation a wide range of tailor-made flame retardants solutions are in place across the transport industry to address the flammability hazard of materials used in various components.\nBromine-based solutions provide a critical layer of protection and in recent years have become an invisible component that vastly improves drivers and travellers’ safety.\n \nThe post BSEF Japan exhibited at Automotive World 2019 appeared first on Let's talk bromine.", "date_published": "2019-03-05T15:12:09+00:00", "date_modified": "2019-06-04T06:51:17+00:00", "author": { "name": "admin", "url": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0428b8e4964fa7634cc8733194ee5bbe?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/BSEF_newsletter_Japan.png", "tags": [ "automotive industry", "bromine", "fire safety", "flame retardants", "Fire retardancy", "General news" ] }, { "id": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2018/03/15/flame-retardancy/", "url": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2018/03/15/flame-retardancy/", "title": "An overview of flame retardancy", "content_html": "In our article about the book \u201cIntroduction to flame retardancy\u201d\u00a0we highlighted the co-operation between Professor Masaru Kitano and BSEF in producing an English version of his book \u00a0the book \u201cIntroduction to flame retardancy \u2013 Protect your life and property from fire\u201d
\nThis time we want to go deeper into flame retardancy science as the solution to minimize the human and economic damage caused by fires.
Flame retardants are a key component in increasing survival chances during a fire event as they allow longer escape times as well as longer response time for fire responders. They can prevent fires from starting, limit the spread of fire and minimize fire damage.
\nSome flame retardants work effectively on their own; others act as \u201csynergists\u201d to increase the fire protective benefits of other flame retardants.
\nFlame retardants are added to or incorporated into different materials or they are applied as a treatment to materials such as textiles and plastics.
\nThey are the hidden protection against the potentially devastating impact of fire in so many products that we take for granted.
Flame retardants are used in four major\u00a0areas to comply with fire safety requirements
\n\n
As with all chemicals, flame retardants are regulated and their uses in products and materials are in accordance with chemical safety assessments.
\nWorld-wide there is substantial legislation in force regulating chemicals, for instance the EU\u2019s REACH Regulation and the US Toxic Substances Control Act. These comprehensive laws ensure that chemicals, including flame retardants, are regulated in a way that protects human health and the environment.
\nBromine is commonly used in flame retardants due to its high atomic mass and its general versatility across a wide range of applications and polymers.
\nThere are more than 70 different types of brominated flame retardants with different properties (reactive, polymeric, halogenated\u2026). Depending on the composition, nature and application of the materials or products that need to be rendered fire-safe, the correct type of flame retardants can be used.
\nBrominated Flame retardants contribute to the fire safety of electrical and electronic equipment and installations where printed circuit boards are used, such as consumer electronics (TVs, vacuum cleaners, washing machines), office and communication equipment (copiers, computers, printers, fax machines, radios, etc), automotive, aviation and all entertainment equipment.
\nAt the end of a product or materials life, it is important to ensure as far as possible that the materials are reused or recycled. Printed circuit boards are for example recycled for the metals they contain.
\nProducts or materials containing BFR\u2019s are\u00a0fully compatible with today\u2019s integrated waste management optionsincluding mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, thermal processing/depolymerization/gasification all of which enable the recovery of valuable materials or energy.
\n\n
What are your thoughts on flame retardants and how they save lives and properties?
\nDo not hesitate to share this article, to give your opinion and to start the conversation.\u00a0
SOURCES
\nhttps://flameretardants.americanchemistry.com/Flame-Retardant-Basics/
\nIntroduction to flame retardancy \u2013 Protect your life and property from fire, Masaru Kitano
The post An overview of flame retardancy appeared first on Let's talk bromine.
\n", "content_text": "In our article about the book \u201cIntroduction to flame retardancy\u201d\u00a0we highlighted the co-operation between Professor Masaru Kitano and BSEF in producing an English version of his book \u00a0the book \u201cIntroduction to flame retardancy \u2013 Protect your life and property from fire\u201d\nThis time we want to go deeper into flame retardancy science as the solution to minimize the human and economic damage caused by fires.\nWhat are flame retardants?\nFlame retardants are a key component in increasing survival chances during a fire event as they allow longer escape times as well as longer response time for fire responders. They can prevent fires from starting, limit the spread of fire and minimize fire damage.\nSome flame retardants work effectively on their own; others act as \u201csynergists\u201d to increase the fire protective benefits of other flame retardants.\nFlame retardants are added to or incorporated into different materials or they are applied as a treatment to materials such as textiles and plastics.\nThey are the hidden protection against the potentially devastating impact of fire in so many products that we take for granted.\nWhere are flame retardants used?\nFlame retardants are used in four major\u00a0areas to comply with fire safety requirements\n\nTransportation\nOverhead compartments, seat covers and fillings, roof liners, textile carpets, curtains, sidewall and ceiling panels, electrical and electronic equipment, car bumpers,\u2026\nElectronics and electrical devices\nTelevisions, computers, laptops, cell phones, refrigerators, washers, dryers, battery chargers,\u2026\nFurnishings\nNatural and synthetic filling materials and textile fibers, foam upholstery, curtains and fabric blinds, carpets,\u2026\nBuilding and construction materials\nElectrical wires and cables, insulation materials, paints and coatings, roofing components\u00a0, composite panels,\u2026\n\n \nRegulation of flame retardants\nAs with all chemicals, flame retardants are regulated and their uses in products and materials are in accordance with chemical safety assessments. \nWorld-wide there is substantial legislation in force regulating chemicals, for instance the EU\u2019s REACH Regulation and the US Toxic Substances Control Act. These comprehensive laws ensure that chemicals, including flame retardants, are regulated in a way that protects human health and the environment.\nBrominated flame retardants (BFR\u2019s)\nBromine is commonly used in flame retardants due to its high atomic mass and its general versatility across a wide range of applications and polymers.\nThere are more than 70 different types of brominated flame retardants with different properties (reactive, polymeric, halogenated\u2026). Depending on the composition, nature and application of the materials or products that need to be rendered fire-safe, the correct type of flame retardants can be used.\nEnd of life considerations\nBrominated Flame retardants contribute to the fire safety of electrical and electronic equipment and installations where printed circuit boards are used, such as consumer electronics (TVs, vacuum cleaners, washing machines), office and communication equipment (copiers, computers, printers, fax machines, radios, etc), automotive, aviation and all entertainment equipment.\nAt the end of a product or materials life, it is important to ensure as far as possible that the materials are reused or recycled. Printed circuit boards are for example recycled for the metals they contain.\nProducts or materials containing BFR\u2019s are\u00a0fully compatible with today\u2019s integrated waste management optionsincluding mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, thermal processing/depolymerization/gasification all of which enable the recovery of valuable materials or energy.\n \nWhat are your thoughts on flame retardants and how they save lives and properties?\nDo not hesitate to share this article, to give your opinion and to start the conversation.\u00a0\nSOURCES\nhttps://flameretardants.americanchemistry.com/Flame-Retardant-Basics/\nIntroduction to flame retardancy \u2013 Protect your life and property from fire, Masaru Kitano\nThe post An overview of flame retardancy appeared first on Let's talk bromine.", "date_published": "2018-03-15T09:02:39+00:00", "date_modified": "2018-03-15T09:03:57+00:00", "author": { "name": "admin", "url": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0428b8e4964fa7634cc8733194ee5bbe?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/BSEF_Newsletter_Q1_2018_Topic3_Blog_Header.png", "tags": [ "BFR", "brominated flame retardants", "bromine", "bsef", "flame retardancy", "flame retardants", "masaru kitano", "Fire retardancy" ] }, { "id": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2017/12/07/the-evolution-of-bromine-flame-retardants-towards-brominated-polymers/", "url": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2017/12/07/the-evolution-of-bromine-flame-retardants-towards-brominated-polymers/", "title": "The evolution of bromine flame retardants towards brominated polymers", "content_html": "Our\u00a0modern lifestyle has some clear requirements. Living, working, travelling? Everything happens in a practical, comfortable and energy efficient manner. Plastics, composites, foams, synthetic fibre-based fillings and other highly flammable materials are necessary to meet our daily needs. But these materials unfortunately come with an increased risk of fire. Luckily, there is a way to avoid or to slow down the burning process. Brominated flame retardants make sure that safety can be added to the checklist of our contemporary lifestyle.
\n\n
![\"Escape](\"https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/2-Escape-time-flame-retardants-1.png\")
We all use electronic equipment, upholstered furniture, carpets, wall coverings and drapery, airplanes, cars and other modern transportation, building and insulation materials. All these materials, as well as oil-based plastics and synthetics are highly flammable materials which are constantly present in your daily life.
\nThis shift to more flammable materials used in in our daily lives and homes has drastically shortened the escape time from burning spaces \u2013 from 17 minutes in 1970 \u00a0to around 3 minutes in 2015. Because of this, flame retardants in materials play a vital part meeting fire safety standards designed to increase escape times. They significantly delay the ignition in the early stages of a fire, which makes them extend escape time.
\n\n\n\n
In case of a fire, temperature rises and flammable gasses fill the room. This results in a rapid spread of flames, and \u2013 after some time – makes all inflammable materials reach their ignition point.
\nA flame retardant is a substance that slows down this chemical reaction, making flammable materials \u201cflame-resistant\u201d. Depending on the individual product and the safety requirements, more than 200 different types of flame retardants can be used.
\nBrominated compounds are among the most effective substances that can be used for fire safety solutions. Because bromine is so effective, only a small amount of it is needed to achieve fire resistance. There are more than 70 chemical substances Brominated flame retardants on the market, each with different properties. They are generally referred to as \u201cBFR\u201d. Now let\u2019s discover how bromine works as a fire safety solution!
\n\n
We already talked about the chemical reaction of fire and about the addition of brominated flame retardants to this process. But which specific effects does bromine have?
\n![\"Bromine](\"https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/3-Bromine-bsef-brominated-flame-retardancy-flame-retardants-300x251.png\")
There are several ways FR can slow down a fire: by inhibiting the radical reaction in the gas phase (which a fire is, chemically speaking), by forming an isolating layer, by cooling the process (eg, via release of bound water), diluting the fire gases, etc.\u00a0 Brominated substances work by inhibiting the fire in the gas phase. Relatively small amounts of bromine are needed to achieve this
\nThe decomposition of materials in the fire is also limited by physically insulating the available fuel sources from the material source with a fire-resisting char layer.
\nIf a fire does occur, flame retardants slow down the spread of fire by diluting the flammable gasses and oxygen concentrations in the flame formation.
\n\n
Until recently, HBCD (hexabromocyclodecane) was the main flame retardant used in Extruded Polystyrene foam (XPS) and Expanded Polystyrene foam (EPS) used mainly in insulation for buildings. When HBCD was classified in 2008 as PBT (Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic) and POP (Persistent Organic Pollutant) in 2014, a global replacement was needed.
\n![\"Bromine](\"https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/5-Bromine-flame-retardants-flame-retardancty-bsef-extruded-foam-300x200.jpg\")
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 ![\"Bromine](\"https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/4-Bromine-flame-retardants-flame-retardancty-bsef-expanded-foam-300x200.jpg\")
The global concern accelerated the search for a new brominated flame retardant. The new solution should meet the advanced global fire code requirements in polystyrene foams and have an improved hazard profile compared to HBCD.\u00a0 In addition, the flame retardant should be compatible with the production processes of the polystyrene, i.e. thermally stable for the creation of XPS foam, and provide an emulsion stability for developing EPS foam, while all foam properties and standards have to be maintained. On top of that, there is the economic reality. An acceptable cost and a large commercial availability of resources are a necessity for the replacement to succeed.
\n\n\n
![\"Flame](\"https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/7-Flame-retardants-bsef-bromine-polymer-monomer-e1512644121615-1024x612.png\")
This new polymeric FR is a non-hazardous flame retardant that meets all defined criteria. In addition, it is \u00a0a high molecular weight polymer. High molecular polymers have a low potential to pass through cell membranes and hence to interact with living organisms. They are therefore less likely to accumulate in an organism and to be absorbed by the body in case of exposure or ingestion.
\nSuch solutions that combine performance and efficiency, while ensuring a good environmental profile point the way to continued use of bromine-based flame retardants.
\nBrominated flame retardants make up the largest commercial use of bromine. Visit our website to read more about BSEF\u2019s vision on bromine as a flame retardant. Or have a look at our blog on the recently published book \u201cIntroduction to flame retardancy \u2013 Protect your life and property from fire\u201d, an interesting co-operation between Professor Masaru Kitano and BSEF.
\n![\"Flame](\"https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/1-Flame-retardancy-flame-retardants-bromine-bsef-1.jpg\")
What are your thoughts on the evolutions in flame retardants, and on our growing need of them due to modern life trends?
\nDo not hesitate to share this article, to give your opinion and to start the conversation.
\n\n
SOURCES
\nPolystyrene foam insulation with a sustainable flame retardant: Transforming the market, The Dow Chemical Company
\nIntroduction to flame retardancy \u2013 Protect your life and property from fire, Marasu Kitano
https://chemicalwatch.com/16534/end-in-sight-for-flame-retardant-hbcd
\nhttp://www.dow.com/en-us/building/industry-updates/canada-styrofoam-flame-retardant-announced
The post The evolution of bromine flame retardants towards brominated polymers appeared first on Let's talk bromine.
\n", "content_text": "COMBINING PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY, WHILE ENSURING A GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL PROFILE\u00a0\nOur\u00a0modern lifestyle has some clear requirements. Living, working, travelling? Everything happens in a practical, comfortable and energy efficient manner. Plastics, composites, foams, synthetic fibre-based fillings and other highly flammable materials are necessary to meet our daily needs. But these materials unfortunately come with an increased risk of fire. Luckily, there is a way to avoid or to slow down the burning process. Brominated flame retardants make sure that safety can be added to the checklist of our contemporary lifestyle. \n \nThe cost of comfort\n\nWe all use electronic equipment, upholstered furniture, carpets, wall coverings and drapery, airplanes, cars and other modern transportation, building and insulation materials. All these materials, as well as oil-based plastics and synthetics are highly flammable materials which are constantly present in your daily life.\nThis shift to more flammable materials used in in our daily lives and homes has drastically shortened the escape time from burning spaces \u2013 from 17 minutes in 1970 \u00a0to around 3 minutes in 2015. Because of this, flame retardants in materials play a vital part meeting fire safety standards designed to increase escape times. They significantly delay the ignition in the early stages of a fire, which makes them extend escape time.\n\n \n\nFire protection for all materials & degrees of safety \nIn case of a fire, temperature rises and flammable gasses fill the room. This results in a rapid spread of flames, and \u2013 after some time – makes all inflammable materials reach their ignition point.\nA flame retardant is a substance that slows down this chemical reaction, making flammable materials \u201cflame-resistant\u201d. Depending on the individual product and the safety requirements, more than 200 different types of flame retardants can be used.\nBrominated compounds are among the most effective substances that can be used for fire safety solutions. Because bromine is so effective, only a small amount of it is needed to achieve fire resistance. There are more than 70 chemical substances Brominated flame retardants on the market, each with different properties. They are generally referred to as \u201cBFR\u201d. Now let\u2019s discover how bromine works as a fire safety solution!\n \nThe effectiveness of bromine as a flame retardant\nWe already talked about the chemical reaction of fire and about the addition of brominated flame retardants to this process. But which specific effects does bromine have?\n\nThere are several ways FR can slow down a fire: by inhibiting the radical reaction in the gas phase (which a fire is, chemically speaking), by forming an isolating layer, by cooling the process (eg, via release of bound water), diluting the fire gases, etc.\u00a0 Brominated substances work by inhibiting the fire in the gas phase. Relatively small amounts of bromine are needed to achieve this\nThe decomposition of materials in the fire is also limited by physically insulating the available fuel sources from the material source with a fire-resisting char layer.\nIf a fire does occur, flame retardants slow down the spread of fire by diluting the flammable gasses and oxygen concentrations in the flame formation.\n \nResponding to chemical safety concerns around\u00a0HBCD\nUntil recently, HBCD (hexabromocyclodecane) was the main flame retardant used in Extruded Polystyrene foam (XPS) and Expanded Polystyrene foam (EPS) used mainly in insulation for buildings. When HBCD was classified in 2008 as PBT (Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic) and POP (Persistent Organic Pollutant) in 2014, a global replacement was needed.\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \nThe global concern accelerated the search for a new brominated flame retardant. The new solution should meet the advanced global fire code requirements in polystyrene foams and have an improved hazard profile compared to HBCD.\u00a0 In addition, the flame retardant should be compatible with the production processes of the polystyrene, i.e. thermally stable for the creation of XPS foam, and provide an emulsion stability for developing EPS foam, while all foam properties and standards have to be maintained. On top of that, there is the economic reality. An acceptable cost and a large commercial availability of resources are a necessity for the replacement to succeed.\n\n \nHigh molecular weight brominated polymer: the efficient, non-hazardous sustainable solution\n\n\nThis new polymeric FR is a non-hazardous flame retardant that meets all defined criteria. In addition, it is \u00a0a high molecular weight polymer. High molecular polymers have a low potential to pass through cell membranes and hence to interact with living organisms. They are therefore less likely to accumulate in an organism and to be absorbed by the body in case of exposure or ingestion.\nSuch solutions that combine performance and efficiency, while ensuring a good environmental profile point the way to continued use of bromine-based flame retardants.\nBrominated flame retardants make up the largest commercial use of bromine. Visit our website to read more about BSEF\u2019s vision on bromine as a flame retardant. Or have a look at our blog on the recently published book \u201cIntroduction to flame retardancy \u2013 Protect your life and property from fire\u201d, an interesting co-operation between Professor Masaru Kitano and BSEF.\n\nWhat are your thoughts on the evolutions in flame retardants, and on our growing need of them due to modern life trends?\nDo not hesitate to share this article, to give your opinion and to start the conversation. \n \nSOURCES\nPolystyrene foam insulation with a sustainable flame retardant: Transforming the market, The Dow Chemical Company\nIntroduction to flame retardancy \u2013 Protect your life and property from fire, Marasu Kitano\nhttps://chemicalwatch.com/16534/end-in-sight-for-flame-retardant-hbcd\nhttp://www.dow.com/en-us/building/industry-updates/canada-styrofoam-flame-retardant-announced\nThe post The evolution of bromine flame retardants towards brominated polymers appeared first on Let's talk bromine.", "date_published": "2017-12-07T09:44:02+00:00", "date_modified": "2017-12-13T15:50:08+00:00", "author": { "name": "admin", "url": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0428b8e4964fa7634cc8733194ee5bbe?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/shutterstock_283549091.jpg.jpeg", "tags": [ "bromine", "bsef", "Fire retardancy", "flame retardants", "hbcd", "Polymeric Flame Retardant" ] }, { "id": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2017/12/07/symposium-fire-safety-materials-science-2/", "url": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2017/12/07/symposium-fire-safety-materials-science-2/", "title": "BSEF supports the 2nd Asia-Oceania Symposium on Fire Safety Materials Science and Engineering", "content_html": "The 2nd Asia-Oceania Symposium on Fire Safety Materials Science and Engineering (AOFSM’2) took place in Shenzhen, China on October 27-29, 2017. The symposium was organized by the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) and the Asia-Oceania Association for Fire Safety Materials Science and Engineering, The China Flame Retardant Society and the National Engineering Research Center of Flame Retardant Materials. The global symposium had the support from BSEF \u2013 The International Bromine Council.
\n![\"2nd](\"https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/2nd-Asia-Oceania-Symposium-on-Fire-Safety-Materials-4-e1512638374196.jpg\")
\n
Gathering more than 250 participants, the symposium invited international renowned experts. Scholars presented the latest academic progress and engineering applications in the field of fire safety materials.
\nThe major topics covered during the 3 days\u2019 event were new developments in flame-retardant materials, flame retardants, fire protection of materials and components. The symposium also talked about their applications in transportation, construction, electrical engineering and electronics.
![\"2nd](\"https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/2nd-Asia-Oceania-Symposium-on-Fire-Safety-Materials-2.jpg\")
2nd Asia-Oceania Symposium on Fire Safety Materials 2
\n
\n
BSEF – together with The China Flame Retardant Society – organized a half day Seminar, which gave an excellent overview of the current status and future developments in flame-retardant materials and technologies. We included a presentation on the polymeric FR as an alternative to HBCD. The BSEF seminar, chaired by Dr. J\u00fcrgen Troitzsched, counted with presentations from:
\n![\"2nd](\"https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/2nd-Asia-Oceania-Symposium-on-Fire-Safety-Materials-e1512638631203-300x197.jpg\")
\n
In addition, the symposium counted with 9 plenary sessions, 25 keynote lectures, 35 oral presentations and more than 42 posters presentations. These all covered the advances in fire safety regulations, methods and standards for testing fire behavior, smoke and toxicity of materials and components.
\n\n
\n
Brominated flame retardants make up the largest commercial use of bromine. Visit our website to read more about BSEF\u2019s vision on bromine as a flame retardant. Read more in our article on the evolution of flame retardants towards brominated polymers. Or have a look at our blog on the recently published book \u201cIntroduction to flame retardancy \u2013 Protect your life and property from fire\u201d (an interesting co-operation between Professor Masaru Kitano and BSEF).
\n
\n\n
What are your thoughts on the evolutions in flame retardants, and on our growing need of them due to modern life trends?
\n
Do not hesitate to share this article, to give your opinion and to start the conversation
\n
\n
\n
SOURCES
\nthe 2nd Asia-Oceania Symposium on Fire Safety Materials Science and Engineering
The post BSEF supports the 2nd Asia-Oceania Symposium on Fire Safety Materials Science and Engineering appeared first on Let's talk bromine.
\n", "content_text": "EXPERTS AND SCHOLARS BRINGING TOGETHER FLAME RETARDANCY AND FIRE SAFETY MATERIALS INSIGHTS\u00a0\nThe 2nd Asia-Oceania Symposium on Fire Safety Materials Science and Engineering (AOFSM’2) took place in Shenzhen, China on October 27-29, 2017. The symposium was organized by the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) and the Asia-Oceania Association for Fire Safety Materials Science and Engineering, The China Flame Retardant Society and the National Engineering Research Center of Flame Retardant Materials. The global symposium had the support from BSEF \u2013 The International Bromine Council.\n\n\n \nThe goals: improving world-wide academic communication, establishing the Production-Study Research cooperation, and promoting the development of the flame retardant industry\nGathering more than 250 participants, the symposium invited international renowned experts. Scholars presented the latest academic progress and engineering applications in the field of fire safety materials.\nThe major topics covered during the 3 days\u2019 event were new developments in flame-retardant materials, flame retardants, fire protection of materials and components. The symposium also talked about their applications in transportation, construction, electrical engineering and electronics.\n2nd Asia-Oceania Symposium on Fire Safety Materials 2\n\n \nBSEF on the\u00a02nd Asia-Oceania Symposium on Fire Safety Materials Science and Engineering\n \nBSEF – together with The China Flame Retardant Society – organized a half day Seminar, which gave an excellent overview of the current status and future developments in flame-retardant materials and technologies. We included a presentation on the polymeric FR as an alternative to HBCD. The BSEF seminar, chaired by Dr. J\u00fcrgen Troitzsched, counted with presentations from:\n\n\nSergei Levchik, ICL-IP – FRs, Modes of Action, Trends to Polymeric FRs\nJ\u00fcrgen Troitzsch, Fire and Enviroment Protection Service \u2013 role and importance of fire safety standards\nMatt Blaise, South West Research Institute – Fire Retardants in Home Furnishings\nChristina Wang, DOW – Transition to a Polymeric Flame Retardant for Polystyrene Foams \u2013 Blue Edge\u2122 Flame Retardant Technology\nAlun Morgan, Chairman, EIPC – Fire Safety, Flame Retardants and Printed Wiring Boards\n\n \nIn addition, the symposium counted with 9 plenary sessions, 25 keynote lectures, 35 oral presentations and more than 42 posters presentations. These all covered the advances in fire safety regulations, methods and standards for testing fire behavior, smoke and toxicity of materials and components.\n \n \nBrominated flame retardants make up the largest commercial use of bromine. Visit our website to read more about BSEF\u2019s vision on bromine as a flame retardant. Read more in our article on the evolution of flame retardants towards brominated polymers. Or have a look at our blog on the recently published book \u201cIntroduction to flame retardancy \u2013 Protect your life and property from fire\u201d (an interesting co-operation between Professor Masaru Kitano and BSEF).\n\n \n\nWhat are your thoughts on the evolutions in flame retardants, and on our growing need of them due to modern life trends?\n\nDo not hesitate to share this article, to give your opinion and to start the conversation\n\n \n \nSOURCES\nthe 2nd Asia-Oceania Symposium on Fire Safety Materials Science and Engineering\nThe post BSEF supports the 2nd Asia-Oceania Symposium on Fire Safety Materials Science and Engineering appeared first on Let's talk bromine.", "date_published": "2017-12-07T09:05:06+00:00", "date_modified": "2017-12-13T15:45:25+00:00", "author": { "name": "admin", "url": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0428b8e4964fa7634cc8733194ee5bbe?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/header.jpg", "tags": [ "Asia-Oceania Symposium on Fire Safety Materials Science and Engineering", "bromine", "bsef", "Fire retardancy", "flame retardants" ] }, { "id": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2017/12/07/introduction-flame-retardancy-book/", "url": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2017/12/07/introduction-flame-retardancy-book/", "title": "\u201cIntroduction to flame retardancy\u201d: the book", "content_html": "People often get surprised by natural disasters such as earthquakes and thunders. A lot of these tragedies are unavoidable. Wildfire is an example of those uncontrollable catastrophes. But a lot of other fire causes like careless accidents with cigarettes, bonfires and gas stoves could be prevented by taking certain precautions. Just being more alert does not suffice to enlarge our safety. No matter how much you anticipate, machines may still fail and humans keep being receptive for errors. Fire alarms, extinguishers, sprinklers, evacuation routes and fire drills are important tools and aids in case of fire. But how can we avoid or delay fires and their tragic results? Flame retardancy science is the solution to minimize the social damage caused by fires. This science researches how non-combustible/flame-retardant materials save lives and properties.
\n\n
![\"Masaru](\"https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/2-Masaru-kitano-bsef-bromine-flame-retardants-flame-retardancy-1-e1512653115157-229x300.jpg\")
Fire clearly has an enormous impact on our society. That is why Masaru Kitano (Professor of the Shukutoku University in Japan) brought together his experiences, thoughts and views on fire safety and flame retardancy science. BSEF now translated Kitano\u2019s original Japanese publication from October 2016 into English. The book \u201cIntroduction to flame retardancy \u2013 Protect your life and property from fire\u201d (published in October 2017 by Osamu Odajima) is the beautiful result from this co-operation.
\n\n\n
The history of flame retardants traces back to a theatre fire in Paris in 1786, which led to the first fire safety research. During the following centuries, innovations in fire safety \u2013 mostly on fabrics and nylon fibres – arose: ammonium sulphate treatments, water-resistant coatings, combinations of antimony oxide and chlorinated paraffin and a variety of flame retardant polymers. Flame retardant technology progressed rapidly in the 70\u2019s and 80\u2019s. Brominated flame retardants started penetrating the market in the 1990s. Until now, further improvements to this exciting bromine-based technology are constantly being made.
\n![\"Bromine](\"https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/3-Bromine-bsef-brominated-flame-retardancy-flame-retardants-fire-safety.jpg\")
\n
This book shows fascinating and innovative content, using both refreshing texts and clarifying graphics. Fire safety affects all of us. That is why this book is a recommendation for flame retardant manufacturers, dealers and users, researchers and experts, as well as the general public.
\nBoth the risks of the chemicals in flame retardants and their benefits are analysed and discussed. The book looks for an answer for the following question: how can flame retardants meet our economic and social needs? A broad range of flame retardant related subjects are highlighted, such as the different types and applications, the flame retardancy mechanism, applications, effects, methods of evaluating performances and fire safety standards. There is also room for discussion concerning the risk trade-off analysis between use and non-use of flame retardants. How does the damage caused by fires relate to the possible impact of these fire solutions on human health and the environment? And which trends in development are currently being designed to minimize these impacts?
\n![\"Bromine](\"https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Bromine-bsef-brominated-flame-retardancy-flame-retardants-publication.jpg\")
Book design by Brig (link\u00a0www.brig.be), for edito3 (www.edito3.be)
\n\n
Brominated flame retardants make up the largest commercial use of bromine. Visit our website to read more about BSEF\u2019s vision on bromine as a flame retardant. Read more in our article on the evolution of flame retardants towards brominated polymers. Or have a look at our blog on BSEF supporting the 2nd Asia-Oceania Symposium on Fire Safety Materials Science and Engineering.
\n\n
\n\n
What are your thoughts on the evolutions in flame retardants, and on our growing need of them due to modern life trends?
\nDo not hesitate to share this article, to give your opinion and to start the conversation.
\n\n
\n
SOURCES
\nIntroduction to flame retardancy \u2013 Protect your life and property from fire, Masaru Kitano
\nThe post \u201cIntroduction to flame retardancy\u201d: the book appeared first on Let's talk bromine.
\n", "content_text": "A MASARU KITANO AND BSEF CO-OPERATION\u00a0\nPeople often get surprised by natural disasters such as earthquakes and thunders. A lot of these tragedies are unavoidable. Wildfire is an example of those uncontrollable catastrophes. But a lot of other fire causes like careless accidents with cigarettes, bonfires and gas stoves could be prevented by taking certain precautions. Just being more alert does not suffice to enlarge our safety. No matter how much you anticipate, machines may still fail and humans keep being receptive for errors. Fire alarms, extinguishers, sprinklers, evacuation routes and fire drills are important tools and aids in case of fire. But how can we avoid or delay fires and their tragic results? Flame retardancy science is the solution to minimize the social damage caused by fires. This science researches how non-combustible/flame-retardant materials save lives and properties. \n \n\nProfessor Kitano and The International Bromine Council join forces\nFire clearly has an enormous impact on our society. That is why Masaru Kitano (Professor of the Shukutoku University in Japan) brought together his experiences, thoughts and views on fire safety and flame retardancy science. BSEF now translated Kitano\u2019s original Japanese publication from October 2016 into English. The book \u201cIntroduction to flame retardancy \u2013 Protect your life and property from fire\u201d (published in October 2017 by Osamu Odajima) is the beautiful result from this co-operation.\n \n\nA history of innovations and developments in flame retardancy technology\nThe history of flame retardants traces back to a theatre fire in Paris in 1786, which led to the first fire safety research. During the following centuries, innovations in fire safety \u2013 mostly on fabrics and nylon fibres – arose: ammonium sulphate treatments, water-resistant coatings, combinations of antimony oxide and chlorinated paraffin and a variety of flame retardant polymers. Flame retardant technology progressed rapidly in the 70\u2019s and 80\u2019s. Brominated flame retardants started penetrating the market in the 1990s. Until now, further improvements to this exciting bromine-based technology are constantly being made.\n\n\n \nA book on fire safety solutions: who is it for, what is it about?\nThis book shows fascinating and innovative content, using both refreshing texts and clarifying graphics. Fire safety affects all of us. That is why this book is a recommendation for flame retardant manufacturers, dealers and users, researchers and experts, as well as the general public.\nBoth the risks of the chemicals in flame retardants and their benefits are analysed and discussed. The book looks for an answer for the following question: how can flame retardants meet our economic and social needs? A broad range of flame retardant related subjects are highlighted, such as the different types and applications, the flame retardancy mechanism, applications, effects, methods of evaluating performances and fire safety standards. There is also room for discussion concerning the risk trade-off analysis between use and non-use of flame retardants. How does the damage caused by fires relate to the possible impact of these fire solutions on human health and the environment? And which trends in development are currently being designed to minimize these impacts?\n\nBook design by Brig (link\u00a0www.brig.be), for edito3 (www.edito3.be)\n \nBrominated flame retardants make up the largest commercial use of bromine. Visit our website to read more about BSEF\u2019s vision on bromine as a flame retardant. Read more in our article on the evolution of flame retardants towards brominated polymers. Or have a look at our blog on BSEF supporting the 2nd Asia-Oceania Symposium on Fire Safety Materials Science and Engineering.\n \n \n\nWhat are your thoughts on the evolutions in flame retardants, and on our growing need of them due to modern life trends?\nDo not hesitate to share this article, to give your opinion and to start the conversation. \n \n \nSOURCES\nIntroduction to flame retardancy \u2013 Protect your life and property from fire, Masaru Kitano\nThe post \u201cIntroduction to flame retardancy\u201d: the book appeared first on Let's talk bromine.", "date_published": "2017-12-07T07:57:01+00:00", "date_modified": "2017-12-13T15:45:50+00:00", "author": { "name": "admin", "url": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0428b8e4964fa7634cc8733194ee5bbe?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/1-Flame-retardancy-flame-retardants-bromine-bsef-2.jpg", "tags": [ "book", "bromine", "bsef", "Fire retardancy", "flame retardants", "masaru kitano" ] } ] }