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Since wallcoverings and flooring products constitute
a significant amount to the mass of combustible material available
during a fire it is important that they are suitably flame retarded
to allow for people to escape in time and to minimize fire deaths.
PVC
is the main polymer used on a global basis for both wallcoverings
and flooring products although significant volumes of other polymers
such as polyolefins, nylons, wool, acrylic and cellulosic blends
are also used.
Materials
used in public buildings such as hotels, theatres, hospitals and
schools often have more stringent requirements for flame retardancy.
Buildings with a higher fire risk, such as prisons and psychiatric
hospitals and institutions, have to meet the most demanding fire
regulations.
Each
national country has its own set of standards and requirements for
flammability performance of wallcoverings and flooring products,
although there is a trend for greater harmonization of the fire
safety standards of building products in the European Union. In
some countries there can also be a need for low smoke production,
especially for products used on escape routes out of public buildings.
Contact
our Technical Service
group to determine our best product for your needs or see our Product
Guide below.
Market
Trends
- More standardization of flame retardancy requirements
for building products in the European Union
Product
Guide for Wall and Floor Covering
Key
Polymers
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