Impact of silicone surfactants on the flammability of flexible slabstock foam - Comparison of California TB 117/draft 2002 with established flammability tests

It is well known that silicone surfactants have an influence on the flammability of the manufactured foam. Generally silicone surfactants have a negative impact on flammability, e.g., higher levels of flame-retardants (FRs) are necessary to pass the required FR test. During the recent years, Degussa has put a lot of resources into the development of optimized chemical structures that have a minimal impact on flammability. The challenge is to make these changes without impacting other key properties, like stabilization potency and processing latitude. In early 2002, the State of California proposed a change to the old CAL TB 117, the industry flammability standard for furniture foam in the US since 1975. Even though it is still in draft form (no final decision on roll-out date and exact content has been made), the optimization of formulations with respect to FR-properties will be one of the key technical issues for all foamers supplying to the US furniture industry. This paper deals with the evaluation of universal and FR-surfactants concerning their contribution to flammability as well as other performance characteristics. The CAL TB 117/draft 2002 will be applied as well as CAL TB 117/march 2000, MVSS 302, ASTM 1692, and BS 5852 (Crib 5). It will give guidance to foamers on how to minimize the flammability of their foams with the correct choice of the silicone surfactant.