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