Halogen-free policy promotion: EU RoHS Directive, REACH Regulation and China's "Standard for Flame-retardant Cables for Buildings" require the reduction of the use of halogen flame retardants (such as bromine and chlorine) because they produce toxic smoke (such as dioxins and hydrogen halides) when burned, threatening people's escape and rescue.
1. Drivers of industry demand
Environmental regulations are becoming stricter
Halogen-free policy promotion: EU RoHS Directive, REACH Regulation and China's "Standard for Flame-retardant Cables for Buildings" require the reduction of the use of halogen flame retardants (such as bromine and chlorine) because they produce toxic smoke (such as dioxins and hydrogen halides) when burned, threatening people's escape and rescue.
Circular economy demand: Halogen-free materials are easier to recycle, which meets the requirements of biodegradable and low-pollution materials under the global "carbon neutrality" goal.
Fire safety upgrade
Building electrical fires account for more than 30% of global fire accidents (according to NFPA data). High-rise buildings, subways and other scenes require cables to have a flame retardant grade of IEC 60332-3A and GB 31247 B1. Halogen-free materials can significantly reduce smoke density while being flame retardant (light transmittance > 60%).
Market demand growth
In 2023, the global halogen-free flame-retardant cable market will be approximately US$12 billion, with an annual compound growth rate of 8% (Grand View Research forecast). New energy (photovoltaic, energy storage) and smart buildings (5G base stations, data centers) will become the core growth points.
2. Technical challenges and innovation directions
Traditional technical bottlenecks
Conflict between flame retardant efficiency and mechanical properties: Traditional halogen-free flame retardants (such as aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide) need to be added by 50-60% to reach UL94 V-0 level, resulting in material embrittlement and poor processing fluidity.
Insufficient moisture and heat resistance: electrical performance decreases after moisture absorption, limiting its application in humid environments (such as submarine cables).
Material innovation breakthroughs
Nanocomposite technology:
Layered double hydroxide (LDH) and carbon nanotubes work together, and the addition amount is reduced to 20% to achieve LOI>35%, and the tensile strength is increased by 30% (ACS Nano, 2022).
Graphene is coated with flame retardant to form a dense carbon layer, and the smoke density is reduced by 50%.
Bio-based flame retardants:
Phytic acid-modified chitosan, lignin derivatives and other natural flame retardants have both smoke suppression and anti-drip functions, and meet the EU "Green Label" certification.
Optimization of intumescent flame retardant system (IFR):
Microencapsulation technology of three-source synergy (acid source-pentaerythritol, carbon source-ammonium polyphosphate, gas source-melamine) improves thermal stability (residual carbon rate>40%).
Process innovation
Reaction extrusion technology: In-situ grafting of flame retardant monomers (such as DOPO derivatives) during screw extrusion to achieve molecular-level dispersion and avoid filler agglomeration.
Multi-layer co-extrusion structure design: The outer layer uses highly flame-retardant halogen-free materials (such as polyolefin/nitrogen-based flame retardants), and the inner layer maintains insulation properties to reduce overall costs.
III. Future trends and opportunities
High performance: Develop high-temperature resistant (above 125°C) halogen-free cable materials to meet the needs of ultra-high voltage transmission and fast charging of new energy vehicles.
Intelligent manufacturing: AI algorithms optimize flame retardant formulations (such as high-throughput screening + machine learning models), shortening the R&D cycle by more than 50%.
Internationalization of standards: Promote the alignment of China's CQC standards with international certifications such as IEC 62821 and UL 1685 to help companies go global.
IV. Typical cases
Wanma Co., Ltd.: Launched "ultra-flexible halogen-free flame-retardant B1-grade cable", passed the British BS 7846 certification, smoke density <15%, and was used in the Hangzhou Asian Games venues.
Dow Chemical: Developed SILINK™ silane cross-linked polyethylene, flame retardant up to IEC 60332-3A level, for Southeast Asian data center projects.
Conclusion
Halogen-free flame-retardant cable materials are shifting from "compliance-driven" to "performance + environmental protection dual-wheel drive". In the future, the industry chain needs to collaborate (resin substrates, flame retardants, equipment manufacturers) to overcome the cost and performance balance problem and seize the global green infrastructure market opportunity.
Qibo Chemical Co., Ltd. mainly deals in high-efficiency PP flame retardant, PP flame retardant masterbatch, ABS flame retardant masterbatch, PE flame retardant masterbatch, and PC flame retardant.Qibo Chemical is a large-scale technology enterprise specializing in the development and sales of flame retardant plastics, providing flame retardant solutions for more than 1,100 companies!