MCA flame retardant, also known as melamine cyanurate, CAS number 37640-57-6, is a nitrogen-containing halogen-free flame retardant suitable for industries such as unreinforced PA6, PA66, wires and cables, heat-shrinkable materials, electrical consumables, building materials, and textile coatings. It features diverse particle sizes, halogen-free properties, low toxicity, low smoke, and low corrosivity. The structure and properties of MCA flame retardant are as follows:

Microscopically, the MCA molecule is composed of MA and CA molecules bonded by hydrogen bonds, with the molecular formula NH2C6H9N2O3, a relative molecular mass of 255.2, and a nitrogen content of 49.4%. This unique structure determines the excellent flame-retardant properties of MCA. It appears as a white crystalline micro-particle...) MCA is a fine powder with a slippery feel, a density of 1.5~1.6 g/cm³, odorless and tasteless, sparingly soluble in water, but soluble in organic solvents such as formaldehyde and ethanol. It is weakly acidic, chemically stable, stable below 350℃, and sublimes at 440℃. It is generally believed that MCA absorbs a large amount of heat during thermal sublimation and high-temperature decomposition, lowering the surface temperature of the substrate. Furthermore, the CA generated during decomposition can promote the decomposition of materials such as PA6 into oligomer droplets, which escape from the combustion zone, thus slowing down combustion. Additionally, MA and CA can further decompose and release inert gases to dilute the oxygen concentration in the air, thereby inhibiting combustion.

MCA flame retardants can also be used on other polyolefins and elastomers such as TPE and PP. When compounded with phosphates or aluminum hypophosphite, a total addition of 20-30% can achieve a V-0 halogen-free flame retardant effect.