- Email: [email protected]
Magnesium hydroxide manufacturer increases production capacity in US
INDUSTRY
News
Magnesium hydroxide manufacturer increases production capacity in US US-based magnesium hydroxide manufacturer Martin Marietta Magnesia Specialties LLC (MMMS) is expanding its MagShield flame retardant (FR) production facility in Manistee, Michigan. Separate from existing MagShield production, the expansion will be completed shortly and will provide an increase in production capacity of nearly 100%, bringing total MagShield capacity to around 52,000 tons per year. According to the company, with this plant expansion MMMS will account for about half of global production, which will alleviate the worldwide shortage of FRgrade magnesium hydroxide.
MagShield is used in a variety of markets such as building and construction, wire and cable, electrical and electronics, furniture, and automotive. Applications include roofing products, composite panels, plastic lumber, low smoke zero halogen primary and jacket insulation, electrical connectors and cable boxes. The company says that like many other flame retardant additives, the successful use of MagShield in such a wide variety of applications is determined by the formulator’s ability to incorporate the additive in the polymer formulation in a way that maximizes performance. In new
formulations, this means simply considering the magnesium hydroxide particle shape and building a suitable formulation for the intended application. In existing formulations originally developed using other metal hydrate products, this means recognizing that simple substitution or replacement of the existing FR does not usually provide optimum performance. Simple adjustments in starting resin melt flow index, processing aids, and processing conditions are typically needed to maximize MagShield performance. MMMS adds that MagShield is available in a standard grade of average particle size 5 microns, as well as a fine grade of average
particle size 1 micron. Both of these products, designated S for standard and UF for ultrafine, are also available in coated form with 1% magnesium stearate coating, designated NB10. The coated products are used in applications where easier dispersion is desired. In addition to MagShield, high surface area MgO products such as MagChem HSA and 200AD are also marketed to the rubber and plastics industries. These products are used primarily as anti-scorch agents and acid acceptors. Contact: Martin Marietta Magnesia Specialties Website: www.magspecialties.com
Albemarle opens technical centre in China Albemarle Corporation has opened a new technical centre and started work on a phosphorous flame retardant manufacturing plant at the company’s first wholly owned site in Nanjing, China. Polymer and flammability testing laboratories and administrative
offices have been incorporated into the technical centre. The site could also be used as a new product development centre for polyurethane foam flame retardants. The flame retardant plant is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Plastics Additives & Compounding May/June 2007
6
“Opening the technical centre in Nanjing provides an opportunity to benefit from outstanding Chinese chemical research capabilities and a vast pool of chemical industry talent,” commented Joe Tedder, Albemarle’s Nanjing site director. “And when we start up our
manufacturing facility here, we will be that much closer to the source of some key raw materials for the products we will make and market.” Contact: Albemarle Corporation Website: www.albemarle.com
News
Magnesium hydroxide manufacturer increases production capacity in US US-based magnesium hydroxide manufacturer Martin Marietta Magnesia Specialties LLC (MMMS) is expanding its MagShield flame retardant (FR) production facility in Manistee, Michigan. Separate from existing MagShield production, the expansion will be completed shortly and will provide an increase in production capacity of nearly 100%, bringing total MagShield capacity to around 52,000 tons per year. According to the company, with this plant expansion MMMS will account for about half of global production, which will alleviate the worldwide shortage of FRgrade magnesium hydroxide.
MagShield is used in a variety of markets such as building and construction, wire and cable, electrical and electronics, furniture, and automotive. Applications include roofing products, composite panels, plastic lumber, low smoke zero halogen primary and jacket insulation, electrical connectors and cable boxes. The company says that like many other flame retardant additives, the successful use of MagShield in such a wide variety of applications is determined by the formulator’s ability to incorporate the additive in the polymer formulation in a way that maximizes performance. In new
formulations, this means simply considering the magnesium hydroxide particle shape and building a suitable formulation for the intended application. In existing formulations originally developed using other metal hydrate products, this means recognizing that simple substitution or replacement of the existing FR does not usually provide optimum performance. Simple adjustments in starting resin melt flow index, processing aids, and processing conditions are typically needed to maximize MagShield performance. MMMS adds that MagShield is available in a standard grade of average particle size 5 microns, as well as a fine grade of average
particle size 1 micron. Both of these products, designated S for standard and UF for ultrafine, are also available in coated form with 1% magnesium stearate coating, designated NB10. The coated products are used in applications where easier dispersion is desired. In addition to MagShield, high surface area MgO products such as MagChem HSA and 200AD are also marketed to the rubber and plastics industries. These products are used primarily as anti-scorch agents and acid acceptors. Contact: Martin Marietta Magnesia Specialties Website: www.magspecialties.com
Albemarle opens technical centre in China Albemarle Corporation has opened a new technical centre and started work on a phosphorous flame retardant manufacturing plant at the company’s first wholly owned site in Nanjing, China. Polymer and flammability testing laboratories and administrative
offices have been incorporated into the technical centre. The site could also be used as a new product development centre for polyurethane foam flame retardants. The flame retardant plant is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Plastics Additives & Compounding May/June 2007
6
“Opening the technical centre in Nanjing provides an opportunity to benefit from outstanding Chinese chemical research capabilities and a vast pool of chemical industry talent,” commented Joe Tedder, Albemarle’s Nanjing site director. “And when we start up our
manufacturing facility here, we will be that much closer to the source of some key raw materials for the products we will make and market.” Contact: Albemarle Corporation Website: www.albemarle.com