Surfactant can reduce flame retardant use.(materials)(GE Advanced Materials has introduced a silicone surfactant)(Brief Article)

Urethanes Technology, June, 2005

GE Advanced Materials has introduced a silicone surfactant which it claims can reduce the amount of flame retardant needed to meet fire performance regulations by as much as 30 percent by weight.

Designated Niax L-650, the surfactant can be applied in conventional slabstock foam manufacturing processes and those that use carbon dioxide as an auxiliary blowing agent. It reduces the amount of flame retardant required to pass small-scale tests such as California Technical Bulletin 117 and MVSS-302 by 10-to 30-percent by weight, claims GE, making it "an excellent candidate for use in FR grades of foam for furniture, bedding, and automotive products."