Magnesium hydroxidealuminum-plastic board replaces halogen flame retardants: analysis of the whole process of environmental certification
With the upgrading of global environmental protection requirements for building materials, traditional halogen flame retardants are gradually being replaced by safer and more environmentally friendly magnesium hydroxide aluminum-plastic boards because they contain harmful substances such as chlorine and bromine. This article will deeply analyze how magnesium hydroxide aluminum-plastic boards pass authoritative environmental certification from three dimensions: technical advantages, certification process, and market application, and provide green solutions for industries such as construction, transportation, and electronics.
1. Why is magnesium hydroxide aluminum-plastic board the best substitute for halogen flame retardants?
1. Hidden dangers and policy restrictions of halogen flame retardants
Although halogen flame retardants (such as chlorine and bromine compounds) can effectively delay the spread of fire, they will release highly toxic gases such as dioxins and hydrogen halides when they burn, and have been listed as restricted substances by the EU RoHS and REACH regulations. According to the "2023 Global Flame Retardant Market Report", more than 60% of countries in the world have introduced policies to restrict the use of halogen flame retardants in public buildings.
2. Four major technical advantages of magnesium hydroxide aluminum-plastic panels
- Environmentally friendly and non-toxic: Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) has a decomposition temperature of 340°C, releases water vapor to dilute oxygen when exposed to fire, and does not produce harmful gases during the flame retardant process.
- High temperature resistance: The aluminum-plastic composite structure (aluminum layer + PE core material) is matched with the magnesium hydroxide flame retardant system, and the fire resistance limit can reach more than 1.5 hours.
- Lightweight design: The density is only 1/3 of that of traditional stone, which reduces the building load and saves transportation costs.
- Recycling: Aluminum can be recycled through physical disassembly of discarded panels, and the core material can be degraded by 95%.
2. Detailed explanation of the whole process of environmental certification of magnesium hydroxide aluminum-plastic board
1. Preparation stage before certification
(1) Material self-inspection
The enterprise needs to ensure that the board meets the basic standards:
- Flame retardant performance: GB 8624-2012 "Classification of Combustion Performance of Building Materials" A2 grade
- Formaldehyde emission: EN 717-1 standard ≤0.05 mg/m³
- Heavy metal content: Meet the 10 control indicators of EU RoHS
(2) Laboratory selection
Give priority to testing agencies accredited by CNAS (China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment) or ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation Organization), such as SGS, TÜV Rheinland, etc.
2. Core certification process (taking China Environmental Labeling Certification as an example)
Step 1: Submit application
Submit the "Environmental Labeling Product Certification Application Form" to the Environmental Certification Center (CEC) of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, with test reports, production process descriptions and other documents attached.
Step 2: Factory review
- Environmental raw material verification: Magnesium hydroxide suppliers need to provide MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) and halogen-free declaration.
- Audit of production process: ensure that there is no direct discharge of wastewater and waste gas, and the dust collection rate is ≥90%.
Step 3: Product sampling and testing
Take 3 batches of samples and test the following indicators:
| Test items | Standard requirements |
|-----------------|------------------------|
| Flame retardant grade | GB/T 2408 V-0 grade |
| Smoke density grade | SDR≤25 (GB/T 8323) |
| Soluble heavy metals | Lead ≤90mg/kg, cadmium ≤75mg/kg |
Step 4: Certification and annual review
After passing the review, the "China Environmental Label (Ten-Ring Certification)" will be issued. The certificate is valid for 3 years and must be subject to surprise inspections every year.
3. Comparison of mainstream environmental certification systems in the world
| Certification type | Applicable areas | Core requirements | Certification cycle | Cost range |
|----------------|----------|-----------------------------|-----------|----------------|
| China Ten-Ring Certification | Mainland China | Environmental indicators for the entire life cycle | 4-6 months | 50,000-80,000 yuan |
| EU CE certification | Europe | EN 13501-1 fire rating | 3-4 months | 80,000-120,000 yuan |
| US UL certification | North America | UL 94 V-0 flame retardant + ASTM E84 smoke toxicity | 6-8 months | 100,000-150,000 yuan |
| Japanese JIS certification | Japan | JIS A 1475 fire performance | 5-7 months | 70,000-100,000 yuan |
4. Market application case: successful practice of magnesium hydroxide aluminum-plastic board
Case 1: A subway station renovation project in Shanghai
The magnesium hydroxide aluminum-plastic board was used to ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ the original PVC composite board and passed GB 8624 Class A certification, smoke toxicity is reduced by 62% in case of fire, and the project has obtained LEED Gold certification.
Case 2: European new energy vehicle battery compartment
Using magnesium aluminum plate as a flame retardant interlayer, it has passed the halogen-free verification of ECHA (European Chemicals Agency), and the battery pack combustion test has been delayed by 15 minutes, which gives passengers time to escape.
V. FAQ
Q1: How much higher is the cost of magnesium hydroxide aluminum-plastic plate than traditional materials?
A: The initial cost increases by about 20%, but the insurance premium rate is reduced due to the improvement of comprehensive fire safety, environmental protection subsidies (such as China's green building materials subsidy of 3%-5%), and other factors, and the incremental cost can be recovered within 3 years.
Q2: How to identify the authenticity of the certification?
A: Log in to the "National Certification and Accreditation Information Public Service Platform" (cx.cnca.cn) and enter the company name and certificate number to verify the validity of the ten-ring certification.
Magnesium hydroxide aluminum-plastic plate has passed strict environmental protection certification and is becoming the preferred solution for replacing halogen flame retardants in the fields of construction, transportation, electronics, etc. Enterprises need to accurately grasp the material testing, production control, and audit key points in the certification process, and seize the market opportunities with the help of green certification. With the advancement of the global "dual carbon" goals, environmentally friendly flame retardant materials will usher in a market space of hundreds of billions of yuan, and those who plan ahead will become the industry