The solubility of melamine polyphosphate in water at 20℃ is very low, specifically 0.1 g/L max.
Melamine polyphosphate is a chemical compound widely recognized for its effectiveness as a halogen-free flame retardant. Its performance in this role is significantly enhanced by its limited solubility in water, which ensures its stability and persistence within treated materials.
Understanding Melamine Polyphosphate's Low Solubility
The characteristic low solubility of melamine polyphosphate in aqueous environments is a key physical property that dictates its application and efficacy. This limited solubility means the compound resists dissolution and leaching when exposed to moisture, making it highly suitable for durable flame-retardant applications.
Key Physical Properties of Melamine Polyphosphate:
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Solubility in water | 0.1 max. | g/L (at 20℃) |
| Specific gravity | 1.85 | g/cm³ |
| Primary Application | Flame Retardant |
- Water Stability: The "0.1 g/L max." solubility value at 20℃ indicates that only a minimal amount of melamine polyphosphate will dissolve in water. This inherent water stability is crucial for maintaining the integrity and fire-retardant properties of materials over their lifespan.
- Enhanced Durability: Because it does not readily dissolve or leach, melamine polyphosphate ensures that its flame-retardant effect remains consistent, even when the treated materials are exposed to humidity or light washing. This contributes to the long-term safety and performance of end products.
Practical Implications and Applications
The low aqueous solubility of melamine polyphosphate is a significant advantage in its various applications, particularly in the realm of fire safety. This property enables its use in demanding environments where stability against moisture is essential.
Practical applications benefiting from this low solubility include:
- Polymer Manufacturing: Incorporated into plastics and resins, such as polyolefins, polyamides, and thermoplastic polyurethanes, for enhancing fire resistance in electrical components, automotive parts, and construction materials.
- Coatings and Paints: Utilized in intumescent coatings, which form an insulating char layer when exposed to fire. The low solubility prevents the active flame retardant from washing out, ensuring the coating's protective function.
- Textile Treatments: Applied to fabrics for improving their fire safety, especially in upholstery, curtains, and technical textiles, where resistance to moisture is often a requirement.
- Adhesives and Sealants: Used in formulations where flame retardancy is necessary without compromising the product's water resistance or long-term performance.
This attribute underscores melamine polyphosphate's value as a reliable and durable flame-retardant additive in a wide array of industrial and consumer products.
