alumina trihydrate (ath) &magnesium hydroxide (mdh)

Huber Engineered Materials

Why Go Anywhere Else?Huber Is Your One-Stop For All Your Alumina T

Huber Engineered

Materials is part of

J.M. Huber Corporation.

With $2 billion in annual

sales, the Huber family

of solutions represents

diversification and

financial strength.

2

For over 25 years, Huber has been a trusted supplier of alumina trihydrate (ATH) and, more recently, magnesium hydroxide (MDH) products for flame retardant applications. Recognizedas a leader in type and volume of grades of these versatileadditives, Huber began its ATH operations with the acquisitionof Solem Industries in 1981. Since then, Huber’s manufacturingfocus has been centered on expanding its manufacturingcapacity, product offerings, research and technical serviceresources and surface treating technology.

In 2005, Huber bolstered its position in the marketplace with the acquisition of AluChem Inc.’s ATH business.

With ATH supply relationships worldwide to ensure availabilityand uninterrupted delivery, Huber’s ATH and MDH business willcontinue to grow as a result of:

1. Customer focus2. Broad product mix3. Surface science research4. Applications expertise5. Technical resources and support6. Organizational strength7. New product development8. Multiple production locations

rihydrate and Magnesium Hydroxide Needs

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Over the past two decades, Huber technologistshave collaborated with leaders in a variety ofindustries to identify how ATH and MDH can be formulated for maximum functionality and performance.

• It was Huber that introduced low electrolyteATH for improved electrical properties and thermoset compound shelf stability

• Mechanically ground, ultrafine ATH as an alternative to fine precipitated ATH

• Low resin demand ATH grades for highloadings in low viscosity unsaturated polyester (UPE) resin systems

• Surface modified ATH

It is Huber Engineered Materials that continuesto promote the benefits of particle packing viaengineered ATH and MDH materials.

Choosing the Right Flame Retardant andSmoke Suppressant Key material parameters considered whenselecting an ATH or MDH product for yourflame retardant formulation include:

• Median particle size• Particle size distribution• Surface area and particle morphology• Surface chemistry • Color

These product characteristics (of the base material)will have a direct effect on the compoundingprocess and the end properties of your compound.Various types and levels of surface treatments maybe employed to reach a given set of compoundperformance requirements.

ATHHere’s how it works: It is the heat sinking andendothermic dehydration characteristics thatenables alumina trihydrate to retard the burningof polymers. At approximately 220°C (428°F)about 35 percent of ATH is released in the formof steam. This water vapor quenches the surfaceof the surrounding materials while restrictingthe access of oxygen to the burning polymer.Combustible and potentially toxic off-gases arealso diluted by this water vapor.

2Al(OH)3➞ Al2O3 ++ 3H20Because alumina trihydrate contains no halogensor heavy metals, it’s better for environmentalcompliance than flame retardants based onantimony metal or chlorinated and brominated(halogenated) compounds. Arc-track resistance inelectrical composites is improved by the use of ATH. The heat generated by high arc temperatures is absorbed by the alumina trihydrate. When endothermic dehydrationoccurs the water vapor slows the surfacedegradation of the polymer and the resultantformation of the carbonized film, or track.

AluminaTrihydrate (ATH)and MagnesiumHydroxide (MDH):Versatile Optionsfor FlameRetardancy

•• FFllaammee RReettaa rrddaannccee- Alternative to halogens- Heat removal- Smoke suppression through water vapor generation

- Char formation

•• PPiiggmmeennttaattiioonn//AAppppeeaarraannccee iinn MMoollddeedd PPaarrttss- High whiteness and brightness- Translucency

•• FFuunnccttiioonnaall PPeerrffoorrmmaannccee- Physical property attributes- Corrosive environment applications- Thermal conductivity (thermal stress)

•• PPrroocceessssiinngg- Better wet out, higher loading levels- Improved performance through better reinforcement

- Lower resin demand

ATH Crystals under scanning electron microsco

pe. 20,000x m

agnifica

tion.MDH Crystals under scanning electron micro

scope. 2

0,000x magn

ification.

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the color ofath has an impactCCoommmmoonn ccoonnssiiddeerraattiioonnssiinncclluuddee::

•• GGrroouunndd,, ttaann AATTHH

•• WWhhiittee AATTHH

•• CCoolloorr ccoonnttrroolllleedd,, ggrroouunndd AATTHH

Property

Physical Form

Particle Morphology

Color

Specific Gravity, g/cm3

pH Value

Hardness, Mohs

Refractive Index

Temperature of Decomposition

Heat of Decomposition, cal/g

Theoretical Loss on Ignition, %

Physical Property Comparison of AluminaTrihydrate and Magnesium Hydroxide

Magnesium HydroxideMg(OH)2Powder

Hexagonal Platelet

White

2.36

10-11

2.0-3.0

1.58

330˚ C / 626˚ F

328

31.0

Alumina TrihydrateAI(OH)3Powder

Hexagonal Platelet

White

2.42

9-10

2.5-3.5

1.57

220˚ C / 428˚ F

280

34.6

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MDHWhile ATH is an effective flame retardant / smoke suppressantfor many resins, there are limits to its use. The main limitationresults from its thermal stability in applications where processingtemperatures exceed 220°C (428°F).

Hence the development of magnesium hydroxide, Mg(OH)2,as a flame retardant. MDH functions in the same manner asATH, however, there is one important difference: it undergoesendothermic decomposition with water release at 330°C (626°F).

Mg(OH)2 ➞ MgO ++ H2OThe endothermic decomposition of Mg(OH)2 which occursduring combustion is its flame retardant mechanism. For combustion to occur, there must be fuel, oxygen and heat. Byabsorbing some of the heat, MDH prevents or delays ignitionand retards combustion of the polymeric material. The waterreleased during decomposition has the effect of diluting thecombustible gases and acting as a barrier, preventing oxygenfrom supporting the flame.

Figure one (to the right) compares thermal decompositioncharacteristics of ATH and MDH. ATH starts to decompose at about 220˚C (428˚F) while MDH decomposes at about330˚C (626˚F). Therefore MDH has a higher thermal stabilityoffering a wider window for compound processing. ATH is suitable for use in thermosets and in certain PVC- and polyolefin-based plastics compounds in which processing temperatures are generally below 200˚C. MDH is preferredwhen formulating plastics compounds that need to beprocessed at temperatures near or above 220˚C (428°F), such as polypropylene and engineering thermoplastics. Using MDH for low-melting thermoplastics or elastomers can also enable higher processing temperatures and increasedcompounding throughput.

When heated to decomposition, both ATH and MDH releasewater of hydration that quenches the polymer and dilutessmoke. It is this release water of hydration that quenches thepolymer and dilutes smoke. ATH releases about 35% of itsweight in water vs 31% for MDH. The process of endothermicdecomposition also removes heat thus helping to retard combustion. MDH absorbs more heat (328 cal/g) than ATH(280 cal/g) on the same weight basis. Therefore, higher thermal stability and greater heat removal capacity makeMDH a very effective flame retardant.

0

110

100

90

80

70

60100 200 300 400 500 600

Wei

gh

t Lo

ss (

%)

Temperature (C)

Thermal Stability Comparison of ATHand MDH – Figure 1

MDH

ATH

Non-Halogenated Flame Retardants

Typical Physical Properties ofSelect Grades

Alumina Trihydrate (ATH)

Magnesium Hydroxide (MDH)

productbrand and grade

SB 805

SB 632

SB 432

SB 332

SB 336

SB 222

SB 136

SB / H 36

Micral® 9400D

Micral® 916

Micral® 932

Micral® 632

Micral® 532

OnyxElite® 432

OnyxElite® 431

OnyxElite® 336

OnyxElite® 339

OnyxElite® 255

OnyxElite® 111

OnyxElite® 150

OnyxElite® 103

Vertex® 100

Vertex® 60

Zerogen® 50

MedianParticle(µ, Sedigraph)

2.6

3.5

9

11

15.5

15.0

18

25

1

1.2

2.1

3.5

5

8

8

15.5

15.5

20

35

50

70

0.8

1.5

0.9

SurfaceArea (m2/gm)

5

3.7

2.10

1.80

1.30

1.35

1.25

0.95

4.5

16.2

12.4

7.8

6.4

2

2

1.5

1.3

1.5

0.5

0.5

0.3

15

13

7

Oil Ab-sorption

34

32

28

27

23

23

21

-

29

46

38

32

31

28

28

23

23

18

11

10

10.5

-

30

-

FreeMoisture % (105ºC)

0.5

0.25

0.25

0.25

0.25

0.25

0.25

0.13

0.13

0.95

0.8

0.60

0.60

.25

.25

.25

.20

.20

.20

.10

.10

0.5 max.

0.5 max.

0.5 max.

TrademarkIdentificationSystemSBStandard grades of alumina trihydrate

Micral®

Ultrafine alumina trihydrate

Hymod®

Surface modified alumina trihydrate

Zerogen®

High purity magnesium hydroxide

Onyx Elite®

High brightness alumina trihydrate

Hydrad®

Ultrafine alumina trihydrate for paperapplications

PATH®

Alumina trihydrate for paint and coatingsapplications.

Vertex®

General purpose magnesium hydroxide

Granite Elite®

Granite-effect filler for cast polymers

Marble Elite® GraniteTextured pigments for under-gel-coatcolor/patterns in cast polymer applications

* All specifications are typical. Fordetailed product specification, pleaseconsult your sales representative ordownload additional information onwww.hubermaterials.com.

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(ml/100g sample)

12345

6789

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Higher Loading- Up to 70%

Improved FlameRetardancy //Smoke Suppression

Lower Viscosity

Increased Productivity // Throughput

Ease of Dispersion //Increased Uniformity

Enhanced MechanicalProperties

Improved WaterResistance

Chemical Coupling

Improved ThermalStability

Improved HeatAging Properties

To enhance the overall performance of ATH and MDH filled compounds, Huberdeveloped a broad line of surface modifications to aid processing or to improvephysical, electrical, flame or chemical resistance properties.

Hymod® ATH offers a number of advantages over untreated grades with similar particlesize characteristics. In applications requiring stringent fire retardancy / smoke suppression,Hymod ATH may permit substantially higher loading levels – up to 70%. This providesenhanced performance with minimum deterioration of mechanical properties.

Variety: Surface Treatmentsfor Increased Performance

Recommended Applications for Surface-TreatedHymod® Alumina Trihydrate and Magnesium Hydroxide

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SurfaceModification

SP Silane

Hyflex Silane

SH-2 Silane

SA Silane

SE Silane

SC Silane

SF Silane

CM Surfactant

ST Stearate

SL Stearate

PK Polymer

Polymer Type

Acrylic, EPDM, EPR, Neoprene, Polyester,Polyolefins, SBR, Silicone Elastomers

Epoxy, Polyester, Urethane

Epoxy, Polyester, Urethane

Nitrile, Phenolic, PVC, Urethane, Polyamids,Epoxy, Polyolefins

Epoxy, Phenolic

Acrylic, EPDM, Polyester, SBR, Nitrile

PVC

Epoxy, Phenolic, Urethane, Polyester

Polyolefins

Polyolefins

Polyolefins

Properties Affected

Improved mechanical properties; increased water resistance;improved low temperature properties

Lower viscosity allows for higher loading level

Lower viscosity allows for higher loading level; polymercompatibility, hydrophobicity.

Improved low temperature properties, better flame retardancy

Lower viscosity allows for higher loading level; better airrelease, improved water resistance.

Improved resistance to stress whitening.

Improved water resistance, improved dynamic thermal stability.

Lower viscosity allows for higher loading level; rapid andcomplete dispersion.

Improved processing for high throughput applications.

Improved dispersion for high loading applications.

Improved color, improved mechanical properties.

Base

ATH, MDH

ATH

ATH

ATH, MDH

ATH

ATH

ATH, MDH

ATH

MDH

ATH

ATH, MDH

Fairmount, GAKennesaw, GA

Amsterdam,The Netherlands

Marblehead, IL

Atlanta, GA

Vallensbaek,Denmark

Product development and testing• Flame retardant compound formulating• Laboratory and pilot scale compounding and extrusion• High-shear mixers for FR additive surface treatment• Complete testing on material intrinsic and mechanical properties• Gel and cure testing for thermoset resins• Thermal and rheological characterization• Environmental weathering• Electrical testing• Complete analytical testing

Product and Application development/testing capability

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Fire Testing Capability

• ASTM E1354: Cone Calorimeter• ASTM E662: NBS Smoke Chamber• ASTM D3806: Two-Foot Tunnel• ASTM D2863: Limiting Oxygen Index• UL 94 Horizontal and Vertical Burn Tests• ASTM E648: Radiant Panel

Fairmount, GAKennesaw, GA

Amsterdam,The NetherlandsAmsterdam,The Netherlands

Marblehead, IL

Atlanta, GA

Vallensbaek,Denmark

A Multi-MineralApproach

Huber's ATH and MDH business is growing thanks, inpart, to the knowledge and manufacturing expertisegained through innovations in a variety of other inorganic powders.

Formulators looking for consistency and purchasingmanagers striving for single-stop mineral acquisition canbenefit by working with Huber. Here is an example of thevariety of products Huber offers:

Calcium Carbonate Huber markets calcium carbonate in many forms. It iswidely used and has versatile physical characteristics andcan be used in broad formulations. All of Huber's industrial calcium carbonate is processed from natural limestonesources – making it one of the purest and brightest formsavailable. Its low cost, low oil absorption and particle size range consistently has this mineral ranked high in total volume sold annually.

Silica and SilicatesHuber's engineering expertise in precipitated silica is widely recognized as best in class. Its thixotropicand rheologic value is recognized worldwide.

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ATH/MDH Locations

Partnership: A collaboration of technicalleadership and application expertiseAt Huber Engineered Materials, we strive tounite deep technical understanding with applications expertise.

Formulation versatility and lot-to-lot consistencyare hallmarks of Huber’s products. Our broadproduct line assures formulation ease and propertyimprovements in many products and applicationtypes that require:

•Halogen-free or low halogen flame retardance

•Low smoke // Smoke suppression

•Resin extension // Cost reduction

•Thermal stress reduction

•Dimensional stability

•Chemical resistance

• Improved electrical properties

•Optical properties

Listed below are application snapshots describing some of the diverse markets servedby Huber Engineered Materials and our ATHand MDH products. Over the years, Huber has enjoyed many, many mutually rewarding partnerships with manufacturers within thesemajor market categories.

Wire and CableATH and MDH are widely used to makelow-smoke, halogen-free flame retardant wireand cable compounds for insulation and jacketingapplications. Huber offers a broad productassortment of grades for flame retardance andsmoke suppression to satisfy the needs of wireand cable compounders and producers. Huber’sgrades are used in building wire, power/utilitycable and accessories, electrical and electronic

cable, transportation cable, mining cable,communications/data cable, automotive wireand appliance cable applications.

ThermoplasticsATH and MDH are rapidly growing as FR additives in thermoplastic materials. Typicalapplications include polypropylene modifiedroofing tiles, polyolefin-based tubing and pipe,polyamide electrical fixtures and components,flame retardant parts for automotive, transit, military and marine uses, and specialty films and membranes.

While ATH and MDH containing systems canoffer the compounder improved economics overhalogenated FR systems, there are other benefitsas well. ATH and MDH are not corrosive to processing equipment and machinery. Since someof these synergists also contain elements that areregulated under Sara Title III, arsenic for example,the compounder realizes yet another benefit byeliminating a reportable item.

From the formulator, to the compounder, to theproducer of finished goods, ATH and MDH systemshave a lot to offer the thermoplastics market.

Building Materials- Roofing and SidingHuber’s ATH and MDH additives are used in avariety of building materials - roofing productsbeing the largest consumer. Our ATH and MDHadditives are used in latex roof coatings, inasphaltic based roofing products, in rubber based(EPDM primarily) membranes and in polymeric(TPO membranes primarily) based systems.

Huber’s capabilities and facilities are unmatched in the industry. Huber’s comprehensive knowledgeand unique application knowledge advance theart of flame retardant compounding formula-tions and extrusion processing. Our thorough in-house fire testing, for all types of roofing formulations, aids our customers in producing

FactsAALLUUMMIINNAA TTRRIIHHYYDDRRAATTEE IISS TTHHEE LLAARRGGEESSTT VVOOLLUUMMEE

FFLLAAMMEE RREETTAARRDDAANNTT UUSSEEDD IINN TTHHEE WWOORRLLDD..

TTEECCHHNNIICCAALLLLYY KKNNOOWWNN AASS AALLUUMMIINNUUMM HHYYDDRROOXX IIDDEE,,AATTHH HHAASS AA CCHHEEMMIICCAALL FFOORRMMUULLAA OOFF AALL((OOHH))33..

IINN MMAARRCCHH 22000055,, TTHHEE FFRREEEEDDOONNIIAA GGRROOUUPP

RREEPPOORRTTEEDD TTHHAATT AATTHH WWIILLLL CCOONNTTIINNUUEE TTOO BBEE

LLAARRGGEESSTT VVOOLLUUMMEE FFLLAAMMEE RREETTAARRDDAANNTT……BBEECCAAUUSSEE

OOFF IITTSS LLOOWW CCOOSSTT AANNDD WWIIDDEE RRAANNGGEE OOFF UUSSEESS..

(Source: Chemical Market Reporter, March 2005).

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ATH and MDH are flame retardants in wire and ca

ble applica

tions.EPDM membrane being applied, photo co

urtesy of C

arlisle.

consistent products for their marketplace. ATH andMDH additives provide utility to the formulatoras they add a multitude of properties, amongthem: fire resistance, high color, non toxicity, noncorrosiveness and formula compatibility. Huber’sVertex 60HST magnesium hydroxide is the industrystandard for single ply TPO membranes and Vertex60ST the industry standard for EPDM membranes.

Reinforced Plastics/FRPHuber is North America’s leading supplier ofATH and Hymod surface modified ATH to compounders and molders of filled polyesterresin systems. Major applications within thisimportant market segment include:

• SMC and BMC compounds• Pultrusion• Electrical flat sheet• Continuous panel• Spray-up• Hand lay-up• Cured-in-place pipe

When used in compression, injection or pultrudedcompounds Huber’s ATH products deliver outstanding benefits to the formulator. A widerange of consistent quality, low resin demandproducts with excellent surface chemistry andcolor provide our customers with complete compounding flexibility. Huber’s selectivelychosen ATH feedstocks are processed using a variety of milling techniques which yield amyriad of particle distributions that can be usedindividually or in combination for maximumloadings with optimized processing, mechanical,flame and electrical properties.

Carpet BackingAll carpet sold in the United States must meetFederal flammability standards. In addition, localand regional standards may also exist and localfire marshals have the authority to establishstrict criteria for compliance.

Flame and smoke requirements also vary according to the end use of the carpet itself. For example, carpet intended for use in hightraffic areas like schools, health care facilities,hotels and other types of commercial venuesare required to meet more strict requirementsthan carpet intended for less public uses.

Various methods of meeting these requirementsare formulated in carpet production including theuse of alumina trihydrate in backing compounds.ATH is non-abrasive and non-halogenated; it isavailable in particle size distributions that allowbacking compounders to use high loading levelsin their formulations. ATH is a highly effective,economical, and easy to use formulation optionto meet the flame retardant/smoke suppressiongoals of the carpet manufacturer.

Cast PolymersThe manufacturing of polyester and acryliccounter-tops, bath tubs, shower walls and sinkbasins requires a high quality, a versatile aluminatrihydrate. Huber’s history of delivering consistencybatch-to-batch is exemplified in its long-standingrelationships with customers large and small.From multi-national manufacturers to regionalcast polymer experts, Huber’s product deliverseach and every time.

•• OOnnyyxx EElliittee®® AATTHH:: highly translucent, sinteredwhite and color controlled ATH products for themanufacture of cultured onyx or densified solidsurface. This product line offers excellent color,translucency, low resin demand and outstandingair release properties.

•• GGrraanniittee EElliittee®® tteexxttuurreedd ppiiggmmeennttss:: a single bag,engineered composition of pigmented polyestergranules and specially selected ATH grades forthe manufacture of densified solid surface or cultured granite products. Granite Elite is notedfor its high chip density, excellent depth of detail,consistency of color and low resin demand. Huberfeatures over 60 colors in its current Commercial,

Premium, Peak and Summit series of Granite Eliteproducts. Color brochures available.

•• MMaarrbbllee EElliittee®® GGrraanniittee:: based on our highbrightness calcium carbonate and pigmentedpolyester chips, this engineered compositionprovides an excellent value to those producersmanufacturing gel coated cultured granite.

Epoxy potting and encapsulation is a castpolymer application which has long utilizedthe ATH products of Huber. Improved flameand electrical properties result from highlyfilled systems featuring low resin demand andexcellent suspension characteristics.

General Rubber GoodsSSii lliiccoonnee rruubbbbeerr:: ultrafine surface modified ATHimparts flame and electrical properties. Silanesurface modification improves ATH dispersion,lowers compound viscosity and cost whileincreasing mechanical properties of the siliconerubber compound.

FFooaamm rruubbbbeerr:: fine to medium fine grades of ATHhave long been used to produce flame retardant,smoke suppressed grades of neoprene foam products used in commercial cushioning materials.

GGeenneerraa ll rruubbbbeerr ggooooddss:: from gasketing materialsto mine belts, fine to medium fine grades ofATH are used to impart flame and smoke properties to those rubber products that mustmeet certain fire safety standards.

Caulks, Sealants, AdhesivesHuber’s multi-functional ATH products provide the manufacturers of these materialswith a variety of improved processing and performance characteristics resulting fromunique properties attributed to the type, shape and particle distribution of the ATH chosen. Reduced flame and smoke, color, Moh hardness and FDA approval for food contact all are reasons why ATH is used inthese applications.

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Outdoor Lantern. Courtesy of Bulk Molding

Compounds, In

c.Valve cover, Courtesy of Bulk

Molding Compound

s, Inc.

ATH is a valuable additive in cast- polymer &und

er-gel-c

oat applica

tions.

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERSHuber Engineered Materials1000 Parkwood CircleSuite 1000Atlanta, GA 30339Phone: 1-866-JMHUBERMain: 678-247-7300www.hubermaterials.com

THERE ARE NO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Refer to Huber's StandardConditions of Sale for the only express warranties applicable to the Huber products. Products incorporating Huber products are not warrantedby Huber. In no event is Huber liable for consequential damages.

Hydrad®, Micral®, Hymod®, Onyx Elite®, PATH® are registered trademarks of J.M. Huber Corporation for alumina trihydrate.Zerogen® is a registered trademark of J.M. Huber Corporation for magnesium hydroxide.Vertex® is a registered trademark of J.M. Huber Corporation for magnesium hydroxide.Granite Elite® is a registered trademark of J.M. Huber Corporation for granite-effect filler for cast polymers.Marble Elite® Granite is a registered trademark of J.M. Huber Corporation for pigments for under-gel-coat color/patterns in cast polymer applications.

© 2006 J.M. Huber Corporation ATH/Capa/Sept 06

THERE ARE NO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Refer to Huber's StandardConditions of Sale for the only express warranties applicable to the Huber products. Products incorporating Huber products are not warrantedby Huber. In no event is Huber liable for consequential damages.

Hydrad®, Micral®, Hymod®, Onyx Elite®, PATH® are registered trademarks of J.M. Huber Corporation for alumina trihydrate.Zerogen® is a registered trademark of J.M. Huber Corporation for magnesium hydroxide.Vertex® is a registered trademark of J.M. Huber Corporation for magnesium hydroxide.Granite Elite® is a registered trademark of J.M. Huber Corporation for granite-effect filler for cast polymers.Marble Elite® Granite is a registered trademark of J.M. Huber Corporation for pigments for under-gel-coat color/patterns in cast polymer applications.

© 2006 J.M. Huber Corporation ATH/Capa/Sept 06