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Brominated flame retardants (BFR) comprise a large number of substance classes including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). PBDEs are used as flame retardants in plastics, textiles, coatings, and electrical components found in many common goods including computers, televisions, and electrical appliances . Technical PBDE products are manufactured as mixtures of penta-, octa- and decabromodiphenyl ethers, corresponding to the average bromine content.
The congener 2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5'-decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE 209) is a commonly used flame retardant applied to electronic equipment and constitutes approximately 80% of the world market demand for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs).
Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) is currently the most abundant BDE flame retardant marketed by Dow as FR-300BA, used for protecting high-impact polystyrene, and in manufacture of rubber and plastic, particularly for PE, PP, ABS with a bromine content of 83 % and a reported minimal effect on the environment. |
