LG Chem (KRX:051910) announced that its PFAS-free, flame-retardant PC/ABS materials made from recycled plastics have achieved the V-0 grade of the UL94 standard, a U.S. standard flame retardancy test.
The V-0 grade is the highest level of flame retardancy in the industry, and when the material is placed vertically and ignited, the fire must naturally go out within 10 seconds. LG Chem is the first in the world to receive V-0 flame retardant certification for its PFAS-free PC/ABS material.
LG Chem has increased the flame retardancy of PC/ABS materials without using PFAS through a special flame retardant process developed by the company. It also reduced carbon emissions by adding PCR plastic. This PFAS-free material contains more than 50% recycled plastic, resulting in 46% less carbon emissions than conventional PC/ABS materials.
PFAS are highly flame-retardant and insoluble in water and oil, so they are widely used in cookware, clothing, cosmetics, etc. However, because they do not decompose in nature and have a negative impact on the environment, there is a growing demand for PFAS-free materials, especially in Europe and the United States.
“The shift to eco-friendly materials such as PFAS-free flame-retardant plastics will become a global trend. We will continue our research and development efforts to create eco-friendly flame-retardant materials that prioritize our customers’ well-being and the environment,” said Steven Kim, senior vice president of LG Chem’s Engineering Materials Business Division.
PFAS-free flame-retardant materials are expected to be applied to various electrical devices such as laptops and tablet devices that frequently come into contact with the human body and generate heat, as well as industrial equipment such as inverters and electric vehicle chargers. LG Chem has obtained UL certification for various PFAS-free flame-retardant materials developed in-house, including PC and PBT, in addition to PC/ABS materials.
