LG Chem Debuts Eco-Friendly, Flame-Retardant Plastics

LG Chem's PFAS-Free flame-retardant PC/ABS material, made from recycled plastics, received the V-0 rating in the standard flame-retardant test UL 94 for UL certification in the US.

PC/ABS, a plastic that combines polycarbonate and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, significantly enhances heat and abrasion resistance.

The V-0 rating is the highest level of flame-retardant performance in the industry, requiring the material to extinguish within 10 seconds when a flame is applied vertically. LG Chem is the first to certify a V-0 level or higher flame-retardant performance with a PFAS-free PC/ABS material.

Steven Kim, head of Engineering Materials Division, said the company will continue research and development to create eco-friendly and flame-retardant materials that prioritize human health and the environment.

Through a proprietary flame-retardant process, LG Chem has enhanced the heat resistance of the material without using PFAS, and the inclusion of post-consumer recycled material (PCR) reduces carbon emissions. Over half of the material composition is made from recycled plastics, resulting in a 46% reduction in carbon emissions compared to using standard PC/ABS materials.

The PFAS-free flame-retardant material is expected to be used in a variety of applications, including electronic devices, and equipment (e.g., inverters, electric vehicle chargers), which are in close contact with the body and can generate heat.

LG Chem also has obtained UL certification for various PFAS-free flame-retardant materials, including PC and PBT.