TBBPA is the largest brominated flame retardant in terms of production volume. Its molecular structure is shown below:
TBBPA is a highly effective flame retardant, used to prevent fires a wide range of electrical and electronic equipment.
The main application of TBBPA is in printed circuit boards or laminates, where it contributes to the fire safety of those requiring FR-4 protection (hence over 95% of printed circuit boards). It is used in consumer electronics (TVs, hi-fi systems, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, etc) and office and communication equipment (copiers, computers, printers, fax machines, radios, etc). It is also used in wind turbines and defence systems.
In printed circuit boards, TBBPA acts as a "reactive" flame retardant. This means it reacts with other monomers to form the epoxy resin boards, becoming an integral part of the cross-linked molecular structure of the boards. As a result, TBBPA no longer exists in the product Sildenafil, other than in trace amounts.
TBBPA's role is becoming increasingly important in today’s trend towards miniaturization of electronics, as a result of the greater temperature handling requirements demanded by the use of condensed laminates.
TBBPA is also used as an additive flame retardant, mainly in acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) plastics, which finds application in light, rigid, molded products such as E&E housings or piping. These plastics have to comply with stringent fire safety standards such as UL 94 V0 - a Standard for Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances. As with all brominated flame retardants, TBBPA provides the necessary fire performance regarding the UL 94 standards.
TBBPA is fully recyclable and complies with all legislation for recycling and recovery.
To access more information on TBBPA, please go to:
For an update on the regulatory status of TBBPA in Europe, please refer to the regulatory centre.
