New stabilizer for manufacturing foam offers improved flame retardant properties, materials reduction

12-Dec-08

Specialty materials company, Momentive Performance Materials have recently unveiled Niax* silicone L-655, a silicone stabilizer for use in manufacturing flexible polyether foam. The new stabilizer can offer a 10% - 30% reduction by weight of flame retardant use in slabstock foam applications compared to conventional stabilizers. Additionally, Niax silicone L-655 may be applied in conventional foam manufacturing processes, and those that use carbon dioxide (CO2) as an auxiliary blowing agent. According to the company, when utilized in flame retardant (FR) grades of foam used in furniture, bedding, and automotive products, Niax silicone L-655 can help minimize the amount of flame retardant required for passing small-scale tests such as California Technical Bulletin 117 and MVSS-302. In addition to its typically outstanding FR improvement, use of new Niax silicone L-655 may also translate into reduced material costs for manufacturers using Momentive's Niax silicones. Momentive's Niax silicone L-655 can help provide excellent froth formation and stability (as required in CO2 processes) to make soft and low-density foam grades.