From short-circuit protection to reducing smoke toxicity: how self-extinguishing materials can ensure safety
Most plastics are inherently combustible.
This means that when exposed to a sufficiently energetic ignition source, polymers can catch fire and sustain the flame, potentially leading to hazardous fire outbreaks.
For this reason, in high-risk sectors such as electrical, railway, and household appliances, the use of plastics must comply with strict safety standards. Self-extinguishing compounds represent a fundamental solution to ensure the safety of products and applications subjected to thermal and electrical stress.
Plastics are widely used in environments with high electrical voltages and temperatures. To prevent hazardous situations, each sector has developed specific regulations to optimize the performance and suitability of polymers for their intended applications.
In electronic devices and household appliances, safety is ensured through rigorous testing, including evaluating a material’s ability to withstand a glowing metal wire, simulating a possible short circuit. This helps prevent accidental fires caused by power surges or overheating.
With the increasing adoption of electric mobility, self-extinguishing plastics play a crucial role in protecting batteries and high-voltage components. The selected solutions must ensure thermal stability, high-temperature resistance, and resistance to creeping currents.
In the railway sector, the main risk is not only the flammability of materials but also the optical density and toxicity of the smoke released in case of fire. For this reason, regulations require the use of plastics with low emissions of harmful substances to ensure passenger safety.
The use of self-extinguishing materials is essential to guarantee safety and regulatory compliance in industries most exposed to fire hazards. Thanks to research and innovation in technical polymers, it is now possible to design safer, more reliable components that comply with the most stringent international standards.
Discover LATI’s wide range of UL-certified self-extinguishing materials, also available in versions made from recycled materials, offering advanced technical features for the most demanding applications.
[Explore LATI’s self-extinguishing materials]
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