PyroBreak EX18 is a 60% solids, concentrated, water based flame retardant system containing a wetting agent designed to increase the rate and depth at which the fire retardant will penetrate paper, paperboard, wood, and natural fiber fabrics. The flame retardant saturant works by reducing the threshold ignition temperature by completely dehydrating the cellulose fibers. This alters the decomposition favoring the formation of non-flammable char and significantly reduces the formation of combustible tars.
Weight/gallon: 11.1 ± 0.2 lbs.
Viscosity: <10 centipoise
Solids: 60.0% ± 1.0%
pH: 7.0 ± 0.5
PyroBreak EX18 is applied by spray, dip, roller, or brush. The product can be sprayed on at the wet end of a paper machine or added into the size press or water boxes on the dry end of the paper machine. The saturant can also be applied with a coater and in some cases with a multi-station printing press.
Saturant application rates will depend upon the flammability rating required and the test specification. Generally, an application of 10% to 15% (dry weight basis) to a paper or paperboard substrate will provide retardancy to meet any standards. Saturation of substrates is best accomplished when PyroBreak EX18 is diluted with water. 1 part PyroBreak EX18 to 2 or 3 parts water.
The Product is gluable with many waterbased adhesives, but should not be used with hot melt adhesives. Some experimentation with inks may be required but, in most cases the treated paper is printible. Glues and inks should be evaluated before production.
The product is available in 5-gallon pails or 55-gallon drums.
It should not be repackaged without consulting PyroTech.
PyroBreak EX18 should be stored at temperatures between 50 and 90°F. Should the product freeze, it can be reconstituted by warming gently to 75°F with mixing. At temperatures above 90°F, there may be a slight amount of ammonia gas released.
Wear protective mask, gloves, and safety goggles to avoid potential nasal, throat, skin, or eye irritation while applying the product by spray. While it is non-toxic, the product may cause skin irritation in certain individuals.
The product should be stirred before application. The product contains a low-foaming wetting agent so the use of a defoamer is not required and should be avoided as it may reduce wetability.
Before applying PyroBreak EX18, the substrate should be clean and checked for penetration. Poor penetration usually results in poor flame retardancy. Paper and paperboard require between10% to 15% (dry weight) PyroBreak EX18 to achieve low flame spread values. The amount of PyroBreak EX18 applied to wood will depend on the species and flame spread test required.
PyroBreak EX18 is completely water soluble and therefore, the application equipment and spills may be cleaned with water.
PyroBreak EX18 contains no solvents or hazardous chemical components. The following procedures, though, should be followed when using the product: