White Powder

Melamine functions as an effective flame retardant primarily through a nitrogen-based mechanism. When exposed to heat, it undergoes endothermic decomposition, absorbing significant amounts of heat which cools the material surface. Simultaneously, it decomposes to release non-flammable gases such as nitrogen and ammonia. These gases dilute the concentration of oxygen and combustible gases in the vicinity of the flame, effectively suppressing the combustion process. Furthermore, melamine promotes char formation on the polymer surface in the condensed phase. This char layer acts as a protective barrier, shielding the underlying material from heat and oxygen, thereby inhibiting further decomposition and flame propagation.

Application Fields

Melamine is widely utilized as a flame retardant in various materials due to its effectiveness and low toxicity. Its key applications include:

Engineering Plastics:It is particularly suitable for flame-retardant treatment of engineering plastics like nylons (e.g., PA6, PA66) and polyesters (e.g., PBT, PET).

Polymers and Foams: It finds application in polyolefins, polyurethane flexible foams, cable jacketing, and textiles.

Coatings and Adhesives: Melamine-based resins are used in coatings, adhesives, and inks, contributing to their fire resistance.

Wood and Cellulosic Materials:It can be applied to wood products and cellulosic materials for flame retardancy.

Melamine is also often combined with phosphorus-containing compounds to create intumescent systems or achieve synergistic flame-retardant effects, enhancing overall performance.