Alumina trihydrate flame retardant (ATH) is one of the most widely used halogen-free flame retardant fillers in the world. It combines good safety, stable performance, and a competitive cost. BanlanChem focuses on ultra fine aluminium hydroxide for flame retardant systems in CCL, PVC, rubber, insulation foam, fine paper, and cable & wire.
Table of Contents
- What Is Alumina Trihydrate Flame Retardant?
- Specification of Alumina Trihydrate Flame Retardant
- How Alumina Trihydrate Flame Retardant Works
- Banlan Ultra Fine Aluminium Hydroxide Grades
- Key Properties of Ultra Fine ATH Flame Retardant
- Main Applications of Alumina Trihydrate Flame Retardant
- Advantages vs Other Flame Retardant Systems
- Manufacturer, Supplier & Wholesale Guide
- How to Choose the Right Alumina Trihydrate Flame Retardant
- FAQ About Alumina Trihydrate Flame Retardant
What Is Alumina Trihydrate Flame Retardant?
Alumina trihydrate flame retardant, also called aluminium hydroxide or ATH, has the chemical formula Al(OH)3. It is produced from high purity sodium aluminate solution by a controlled precipitation process. After washing, drying and classification, ultra fine aluminium hydroxide is obtained.
Banlan’s ultra fine aluminium hydroxide series is based on this process. Typical grades include H-WF-1, H-WF-1LS, H-WF-2N and customized products. These alumina trihydrate flame retardant grades are designed for high-performance polymer systems.
For more basic information, you can also check our product page Aluminum Hydroxide Flame Retardant Filler.
Specification of Alumina Trihydrate Flame Retardant
| Al(OH)3 | 99.5% min. |
| SiO2 | 0.02% max. |
| Fe2O3 | 0.01% max. |
| Na2O | 0.35% max. |
| Na2O (s) | 0.04% max. |
| Absorption of oil ml/100g | 50 Max. |
| Whiteness | 97% min. |
| Elec. Conductivity μS/cm | 120 max. |
| Particle size | |
| D50 micron | 1.1-1.7 max. |
| +325mesh | 0.1% max. |
| Moisture | 0.4% max. |
Packing: 25kg/bags, 500kg/bag
How Alumina Trihydrate Flame Retardant Works
The working principle of alumina trihydrate flame retardant is mainly physical. When the material reaches about 200 – 220 °C, ATH starts to decompose. It releases crystal water and turns into alumina (Al2O3).
- Crystal water absorbs heat and lowers the temperature of the system
- Released water vapor dilutes oxygen and flammable gases
- Formed alumina layer protects the surface and slows down burning
Because of this mechanism, alumina trihydrate flame retardant acts as a smoke suppressant and flame retardant at the same time. It is halogen-free and does not release toxic halogen gases during fire.
Banlan Ultra Fine Aluminium Hydroxide Grades
Banlan’s ultra fine aluminium hydroxide is generated from a high purity sodium aluminate solution by a precise precipitation process. Through tight process control, we achieve narrow particle size distribution, high whiteness and stable quality.
Typical ultra fine ATH grades include:
- H-WF-1 – standard ultra fine alumina trihydrate flame retardant
- H-WF-1LS – low sodium ultra fine aluminium hydroxide
- H-WF-2N – super fine grade for demanding systems
We also supply custom alumina trihydrate flame retardant grades according to customer formulas. For example, different moisture levels, different surface treatments, or specific particle size curves.
You can learn more about our fine aluminium hydroxide series here: High Whiteness Aluminum Hydroxide Filler .
Key Properties of Ultra Fine ATH Flame Retardant
Banlan’s ultra fine alumina trihydrate flame retardant offers a combination of important properties for modern flame retardant systems:
- Fine particle size – good dispersion in polymer matrix
- High whiteness – suitable for light-colored and white products
- High purity – low impurity content, stable electrical properties
- Low oil absorption – allows higher filler loading with good flow
- Low sodium (Low Na2O) – improves electrical insulation and stability
- Ultra low moisture – reduces moisture-related defects in extrusion and lamination
- Good thermal stability – suitable for typical processing temperatures of PVC, rubber and resins
These features make alumina trihydrate flame retardant a preferred choice for halogen-free cable compounds, CCL and many other applications.
Main Applications of Alumina Trihydrate Flame Retardant
Ultra fine alumina trihydrate flame retardant can be used in a wide range of polymer systems and engineered materials. Below are the main application fields where Banlan’s ATH products are widely used:
1. CCL (Copper Clad Laminate)
In CCL, ultra fine ATH works as a flame retardant filler and also helps control dielectric properties. High purity and low sodium are very important for PCB reliability. Banlan’s low sodium alumina trihydrate flame retardant grades are designed for such applications.
2. PVC Compounds
PVC cable compounds, profiles, and sheets often require halogen-free or low-smoke flame retardant solutions. Ultra fine aluminium hydroxide provides good flame retardancy and smoke suppression. It also keeps the color bright in white or light-colored PVC products.
3. Rubber and Elastomers
In rubber cable, conveyor belts and other rubber parts, alumina trihydrate flame retardant is used to reach higher LOI and meet different flame retardant standards. Fine particle size helps to maintain flexibility and mechanical strength.
4. Insulation Foam
ATH is a very useful flame retardant filler in insulation foam and construction foam systems. It reduces flame spread and dripping, and the fine alumina layer improves heat resistance of the foam surface.
5. Fine Paper and Special Paper
Ultra fine aluminium hydroxide can be used in fine paper and specialty paper for flame retardant and functional purposes. Its high whiteness and narrow particle size distribution are key to keeping smooth surfaces.
6. Cable & Wire
In halogen-free flame retardant (HFFR) cable compounds, alumina trihydrate flame retardant is a core component. It works alone or together with magnesium hydroxide in cable sheathing and insulation.
For other alumina-based materials used in refractories and ceramics, you may also be interested in our Tabular Alumina and White Fused Alumina.
Advantages vs Other Flame Retardant Systems
Compared with many traditional flame retardants, alumina trihydrate flame retardant offers several clear advantages:
- Halogen-free – no halogen gases during fire
- Low smoke – smoke suppression effect in many systems
- Good electrical insulation – suitable for cables, electronic materials and CCL
- Stable price – more cost-effective than many organic flame retardants
- Easy to handle – safe and simple powder, easy to store and transport
- Multi-function – improves flame retardancy, mechanical strength and heat resistance
Banlan’s ultra fine alumina trihydrate flame retardant products, especially the low sodium and ultra low moisture grades, are widely praised in the global market.
Manufacturer, Supplier & Wholesale Guide
BanlanChem is a professional manufacturer, supplier and factory of alumina trihydrate flame retardant in China. We focus on high-purity aluminium hydroxide and refined alumina products.
- Stable quality based on controlled precipitation process
- Dedicated ultra fine ATH production lines
- Technical support for CCL, cable, PVC and rubber customers
- OEM and customized flame retardant solutions
- Wholesale supply for distributors and compounders
To learn more about BanlanChem as an alumina trihydrate flame retardant manufacturer and supplier, please visit https://banlanchem.com.
How to Choose the Right Alumina Trihydrate Flame Retardant
When you select an alumina trihydrate flame retardant for your formula, consider these key points:
- Target application (CCL, cable, PVC, rubber, foam, paper etc.)
- Required LOI and flame retardant level
- Processing temperature and residence time
- Needed particle size and distribution
- Whiteness requirements
- Electrical insulation performance
- Moisture and sodium content limits
- Allowed maximum filler loading
Our technical team can help you match the right ultra fine aluminium hydroxide grade. You can also read more in our application articles, for example: Calcined Alumina for Polishing and Technical Applications .
FAQ About Alumina Trihydrate Flame Retardant
1. Is alumina trihydrate flame retardant halogen-free?
Yes. Alumina trihydrate flame retardant is halogen-free. It does not contain chlorine or bromine, and it does not release halogen gases during fire.
2. What is the typical decomposition temperature?
ATH starts to decompose and release water at around 200 – 220 °C. This is suitable for many PVC, rubber and thermoset systems.
3. Why are low sodium grades important?
Low sodium alumina trihydrate flame retardant gives better electrical insulation and long-term stability, especially in CCL and cable applications.
4. Do you offer customized particle size or surface treatment?
Yes. As a professional manufacturer and factory, BanlanChem can adjust particle size distribution or add surface treatment to fit your formulation needs.
5. Can you supply alumina trihydrate flame retardant for wholesale orders?
Yes. We support wholesale and long-term supply for distributors, compounders and large end users around the world.
Conclusion
Alumina trihydrate flame retardant is a key halogen-free flame retardant filler in many modern polymer systems. Banlan’s ultra fine aluminium hydroxide grades offer fine particle size, high whiteness, high purity, low oil absorption, low sodium and ultra low moisture. They are widely used in CCL, PVC, rubber, insulation foam, fine paper, and cable & wire industries.
If you are looking for a reliable alumina trihydrate flame retardant manufacturer, supplier, factory and wholesale partner, BanlanChem is ready to support your projects with stable quality and technical service.
