Future Development Trends and Prospects of Aluminum Hydroxide (ATH)
Date：2022-10-11 15:12:37
As aluminum hydroxide (ATH) finds increasingly widespread applications across various fields, its limitations have also become apparent. To address these challenges, the future development of ATH is expected to focus on the following key trends:
1. Development of ATH-Based Composite Flame Retardants ATH and magnesium hydroxide (MDH) can be used together in a wide range of ratios to enhance flame retardancy. This is due to the expanded temperature range of endothermic water vaporization and the synergistic effect of residual oxides. Given China's abundant brucite resources, the development of aluminum-magnesium composite flame retardants holds significant promise.
2. Development of High-Efficiency Surface Treatment Agents When used alone, ATH requires a loading of over 60% to achieve effective flame retardancy. However, high filler content negatively impacts the processing and optical properties of plastic products. Developing cost-effective coupling agents that maintain performance at high ATH loadings would greatly expand its applications. Thus, improving ATH-polymer compatibility through advanced surface treatments remains a key research focus.
3. Development of High-Performance Synergists Efforts to reduce ATH usage have explored compounds that, while not highly flame-retardant themselves, significantly enhance ATH's effectiveness. Future research will prioritize developing more efficient synergists to lower ATH requirements, reduce costs, and advance halogen-free flame retardant technology.
4. Particle Size Reduction of ATH ATH particle size directly influences its flame retardancy and filler performance. Smaller particles increase surface area, elevating vapor pressure and improving flame resistance. Modern filler technology shows that ultrafine inorganic particles can also toughen and reinforce polymer matrices. Thus, ultrafine ATH can enhance both flame retardancy and mechanical properties.
5. High-Purity ATH Products High-purity ATH involves reducing impurities (e.g., iron oxide, sodium oxide) to below 0.2%. Impurities degrade the insulation and thermal stability of downstream polymer products. Therefore, advancing ATH purification processes remains a critical industry objective.
These strategic directions will drive innovation in ATH applications, supporting safer, more sustainable flame retardant solutions.
