Tetrabromobisphenol A has the largest market among brominated flame retardants. It is a white to off-white powder melting point of 180-184 C; soluble in methanol and ether. It is produced by the bromination of bisphenol A with various solvents such as halocarbon alone, hydrobromic acid, aqueous alkyl monoethers, acetic acid or methanol.
Tetrabromobisphenol A(CAS NO:79-94-7) is a derivative of bisphenol A and is synthesized from this substance. Most commercial Tetrabromobisphenol A products are of a relatively low purity, in fact containing a mixture of products brominated to varying extents. This is not generally considered to be a drawback, since in most applications of this substance (i.e. flame-retarding) it is the average %Br that is of importance. The mixture resulting from the bromination of bisphenol A is therefore not purified, allowing a more efficient, lower cost product.
Tetrabromobisphenol A can be used as reactive and additive flame retardant. In the reactive application, it is bound chemically to the polymers. The main use are epoxy resins of printed circuit boards. As an additive flame retardant it is used in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.
Tetrabromobisphenol A is used as a reactive flame retardant in epoxy, vinyl esters and polycarbonate resins. The main application of Tetrabromobisphenol A in epoxy resins is in PCB where the bromine content may be 20% by weight. It is used also as a flame retardant in polymers such as ABS, polystyrenes, phenolic resins, adhesives, paper, and textiles and others. It can be combined with a synergist such as antimony trioxide for maximum flame retardant performance. Tetrabromobisphenol A may also be used as a parent compound for the production of other commercial flame retardants.
Tetrabromobisphenol A is the largest volume brominated flame retardant in production today to improve fire safety of mainly electrical and electronic equipment. The main application of this chemical is as a reactive flame retardant in laminates for an estimated 90+% of printed wiring boards. It is also used as an additive flame retardant in ABS plastics. It is chemically bound in these applications and has no potential for emissions to the environment Among all the different flame retardants that can be used in printed wiring boards, Tetrabromobisphenol A is the most well researched flame retardant.
According to both the WHO and the currently undertaken EU Risk Assessments, Tetrabromobisphenol A(CAS NO:79-94-7) has little potential for bioaccumulation and presents no significant health effects of concern. Also, No emissions from circuit boards could be detected Tetrabromobisphenol A is currently being risk-assessed at the EU-level.
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