Sirmax accelerates production of its self-extinguishing compound

In response to the growing demand for fire-resistant products, Sirmax North America, the US subsidiary of the Italian group, is boosting its polypropylene-based flame retardant compound business with a dedicated production line. The US branch of the Sirmax Group, which specializes in the production of virgin polypropylene compounds, engineering plastics, compounds from post-consumer and post-industrial mechanical recycling, and bio-compounds for a wide variety of applications, has developed several formulations that meet the most stringent industry regulations to prevent the spread of flames, thereby improving fire safety in numerous end-use applications.

These thermoplastic compounds contain flame retardant additives, chemicals designed to reduce combustibility. When added to plastic polymers, these special ingredients delay ignition, slow the spread of flames and reduce the rate of combustion. Because of their unique properties, compounds with such characteristics can offer increased safety against fire, increasing escape time, protecting people, buildings, and tangible assets.

In addition, Sirmax's proposed formulations are designed to be low in toxicity, ensuring minimal impact on human health and the environment. Their versatility means that they can be used in a wide range of applications. For example, the strong market push toward the use of batteries for electric vehicles, is leading car manufacturers to favor increasingly safe materials. The applicability of this type of product, however, is not limited to the automotive industry. Sirmax’s self-extinguishing products are used to build base carriers and other sensitive components for household appliances such as cooktops and washers. They can also be used for boiler covers or power tools (e.g., electric welders and other appliances that can come into contact with motors, control units, and electronic parts that can be ignition points).

“We have reached significant levels of technology and research in this market segment,” says Lorenzo Ferro, Country Manager of Sirmax North America. “Our efforts result in reliable, high-performance products that help ensure greater safety and protection for people and assets. The Anderson, IN compounding plant has a total output of more than 100 million pounds (equivalent to more than 45,000 tons) of PP compounds with mineral fillers or reinforced with glass fiber, which are entirely dedicated to the North American market. Over the past year, sales and market demand for flame retardant compounds have increased dramatically, so we have made the decision to dedicate one of our five production lines to this family of materials. We are therefore prepared to meet this new market challenge and to respond to any quantitative requirements.”

Sirmax's flame retardant compounds also stand out from other products currently on the market thanks to the fact they are available in any desired color, or can be colored at the press. This makes them customizable to the client’s requirements – an important factor in component design.

Outside of the US, the production of special self-extinguishing materials has also been boosted in Sirmax’s Polish plants, confirming that market demand is increasing both in America and in Europe.