Fire retardant resins

Composites in trains, buses, buildings and electrical installations must meet strict fire safety standards. Polyester fire retardant resins from AOC help manufacturers achieve these requirements while keeping the processing benefits of polyester. Browse all fire retardant products.

How fire retardant resins work

Fire retardancy in composites is achieved through a combination of resin chemistry, fillers and additives. Some systems slow down ignition and flame spread, others reduce smoke density and toxicity. The final fire classification always depends on the complete laminate, so resin selection should be part of the overall design.

AOC polyester fire retardant solutions

Our range includes resins for different processes and standards:

• Synolite™ 5001-N-2, a low-smoke, fire-resistant unsaturated polyester resin.
• Synolite™ 5011-N-1, a styrene-free resin for low-smoke, fire-retardant components made through pultrusion and SMC.
• P-501, a multi-purpose hand lay-up resin with low styrene emission, used as a base for fire-retardant resin systems.

Polymer fire retardant applications

Fire-retardant composites are widely used in:

• Interior and exterior panels for trains, trams and buses in the railway market.
• Pultruded profiles, gratings and cable trays for buildings and infrastructure.
• SMC and BMC housings and parts for electrical equipment.
• Building panels and façade elements.

Balancing fire performance and processing

Adding fire-retardant fillers increases viscosity and can affect wet-out, cure and mechanical properties. AOC Technical Service helps you balance fire performance with processability, surface quality and strength in SMC/BMC, pultrusion or hand lay-up.

Frequently asked questions about fire retardant resins

Does the resin alone determine the fire classification?

No. The classification depends on the complete laminate, including fillers, additives, reinforcement and thickness. The resin is one important part of that system.

Are styrene-free fire retardant resins available?

Yes. Synolite™ 5011-N-1 is a styrene-free resin for low-smoke, fire-retardant parts made through pultrusion and SMC.

Find your polyester fire retardant resin

Tell us which standard your part must meet and how you produce it. Our experts will help you select and fine-tune the right polyester fire retardant system. Contact AOC or download the Product Selector Guide.