LG Chem Develops Eco-Friendly Flame-Retardant Plastic Free of PFAS

LG Chem has developed an eco-friendly flame-retardant material that is not easily flammable.

Flame-retardant PC/ABS material without PFAS developed by LG Chem. [Photo by LG Chem]

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On the 12th, LG Chem announced that its flame-retardant PC/ABS material without perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) received the V-0 grade certification in the UL94 flame retardancy test, a U.S. certification standard. PC/ABS material is a plastic made by mixing polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) to enhance heat resistance and impact resistance.

V-0 is the highest level of flame retardancy in the industry, meaning that when a flame is applied vertically to the material, it must extinguish itself within 10 seconds. LG Chem is the first to receive V-0 grade flame retardancy certification for PC/ABS material without PFAS.

PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," are substances that do not naturally decompose and can impact the environment, leading to increasing demand for PFAS-free materials, especially in Europe and the United States.

LG Chem enhanced the heat resistance of the material without PFAS through a specially developed flame-retardant process.

By adding post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics, carbon emissions were also reduced. More than half of the material composition is made from recycled plastics, reducing carbon emissions by 46% compared to using conventional PC/ABS materials.

The flame-retardant material is expected to be used in various fields such as electronic devices, chargers, interiors, and building materials.

Kim Steven, Executive Vice President and Head of the Engineering Materials Division at LG Chem, said, "We will continue research and development to create eco-friendly and flame-retardant materials that prioritize customers' health and the environment."

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