Cost Effective Replacement for ATH in
Flame Retardancy
and
Smoke Suppression

ATTRIBUTES

• Excellent Flame Retardancy and Smoke Suppression Properties
• Non-Halogenated
• Thermally Stable
• Non-Corrosive
• Low Toxicity

BENEFITS

• Cost effective replacement for alumina trihydrate (ATH)
• Thermally stable to 340°C, suitable for engineering plastics
• Lower hardness than ATH resulting in longer equipment life
• Low toxicity [LD50 (oral/rat) >5,000 mg/kg]
• Non-corrosive as compared to halogen or phosphorous containing compounds

MagShield ^TM The Flame Retardant of Choice

MagShield provides flame retardance through FIVE mechanisms:

• MagShield produces more char than ATH resulting in increased effectiveness and less smoke.

• MagShield dilutes the amount of fuel available to sustain combustion.

• MagShield, during combustion, generates highly reflective magnesium oxide coating which deflects the flame's heat away from the polymer.

• MagShield contains 31% bound water which is released beginning at 330"C and blankets the flame to limit oxygen available for combustion.

• MagShield absorbs 17% more heat from the combustion zone than ATH to reduce the prospect of continued burning.

The MagShield ^TM Advantage

MagShield allows processing at a temperature up to 100°C higher than ATH. An increase of as little as 10° to 30°C can significantly improve processing efficiency by increasing extrusion speeds and decreasing mold filling time.

MagShield is cost competitive with ATH for many applications making MagShield the performance and economical choice in flame retardants.

MagShield is less abrasive than ATH, resulting in longer mixing and compounding equipment life. This is demonstrated by MagShield's Mohs' Hardness of 2.5 vs. 3.0 for ATH.

 An example of Mg(OH)₂ effectiveness appears in the polypropylene formulation shown in the cart at left.   Smoke production decreases as the flame-retardancy of the material (or loading of MagShield) increases.

The use of Mg(OH)₂ in combination with other components in plenum cable compounds allows the formulations to meet the stringent UL910 flame spread and smoke requirements.

In PVC wire and cable formulations, MagShield has been shown to reduce smoke production in the Flaming Mode as effectively as ATH.¹

MagShield products can be treated with surface modifiers for improved compatibility and performance in thermoplastics. Specific modifiers can be prepared for custom applications and requirements. Contact Martin Marietta Magnesia Specialties LLC for specific information.

NOTICE:  The information contained herein is, to the best of our knowledge and belief, accurate. Any recommendations or suggestions made are without warranty or guarantee of results since conditions of handling and of use are beyond our control; we, therefore, assume no liability for loss or damage incurred by following these suggestions. Seller warrants only that this product will meet the specifications set forth.  Any other representation or warranty, either express or implied, is specifically disclaimed including warranties of fitness for a particular purpose and of merchantability. Seller's and manufacturer's only obligation shall be to replace such quantity of the product proved to be defective. Before using, user shall determine the suitability of the product for user's intended application and user assumes all risk and liability whatsoever in connection therewith. Neither seller nor manufacturer shall be liable in tort, contract or under any theory for any loss or damage, incidental or consequential, arising out of the use of or the inability to use the product.