The bromine in the flame retardant is not really the problem, it's the
     chemistry it's bonded into. The concern in the European Community is
     over the Biphenyl and Diphenyl Ether based Bromine compounds like PBB,
     PBBO and PBDPE. These break down into brominated dioxins and furans
     when they burn.


     Two excellent papers on this subject are:

     "Standards, bans, and flame retardants.", M. Robert Chistry, Plastics
     Compounding Sep/Oct 1993, p. 56-77

     "Flame Retardants: Cool Under Fire", Deborah W. Hairston, Chemical
     Engineering, Sep 1995, p.65-68


     Rogers R/flex 2005 uses a fire retardant filler classed as a
     brominated aromatic imide that contains none of the offending
     chemistry and is a very stable polymer compound. It uses antimony
     pentoxide to provide synergistic flame retardancy, making it more
     effective and reducing the amount of filler needed. The pentoxide form
     avoids the chemical instability of the more common antimony trioxide
     that can potentially poison some plating reactions.


     Andrew P. Magee - Applications Engineer
     Rogers Corporation - Circuit Materials Unit
     Tel: (602) 917-5237
     Fax: (602) 917-5256
     E-Mail: [log in to unmask]



______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________

Subject: Alternatives to Bromine in Flame Retardants
Author:  Nancy Nelson::(NELSNNAB) at ~FABRIK
Date:    1/19/96 1:51 PM


From: Nancy Nelson
Date: Fri, Jan 19, 1996 1:51 PM
Subject: Alternatives to Bromine in Flame Retardants
To: technet
     Does Anyone know of any movement or alternatives
     in the industry concerning this.It seems the European Community has
     not approved these for use.

     What do the Europeans use in their laminate?

     Thanks in advance for any response.

     Regards,

     Nancy Nelson
     PCA Engineering Services
     Dell Computer Corporation