GRAFGUARD® Synergy Selector
Select your polymer system and primary synergist to find the optimal GRAFGUARD® grade and a starting point formulation.
What is Expandable Graphite?
Expandable graphite, like GRAFGUARD®, is a non-halogenated, intumescent fire retardant. When exposed to heat, it expands dramatically to form a thick, non-burnable char layer. This "condensed phase" action is different from other flame retardants:
Intumescent Systems (GRAFGUARD®)
Forms a physical char barrier, insulating the material from heat and oxygen.
Vapor/Gas Phase Retardants
Release non-combustible gases (e.g., halogens) to dilute flammable gases and inhibit combustion in the air.
Cooling Agents
Undergo an endothermic (heat-absorbing) reaction, often releasing water (e.g., ATH, Mg(OH)₂) to cool the material.
The key to maximizing effectiveness is to select a GRAFGUARD® grade with an onset temperature safely above the polymer's processing temperature, but within the decomposition range of the synergistic additive.
Selection Controls
Synergy Analysis & Recommendations
All GRAFGUARD® Grades
Select a polymer system to see tailored recommendations and the temperature alignment chart.
GG 160-50N | Large (50 Mesh) | 160°C | Neutral (N) | 290 |
GG 160-80N | Medium (80 Mesh) | 160°C | Neutral (N) | 200 |
GG 180-60N | Large (50 Mesh) | 180°C | Neutral (N) | 240 |
GG 200-100N | Medium (100 Mesh) | 200°C | Neutral (N) | 160 |
GG 210-200N | Small (200 Mesh) | 210°C | Neutral (N) | 120 |
GG 220-50N | Large (50 Mesh) | 220°C | Neutral (N) | 170 |
GG 220-80B | Medium (80 Mesh) | 220°C | Basic (B) | 165 |
GG 220-80N | Medium (80 Mesh) | 220°C | Neutral (N) | 165 |
GG 225-270N | Small (270 Mesh) | 225°C | Neutral (N) | 50 |
GG 250-50N | Large (50 Mesh) | 250°C | Neutral (N) | 30 |
GG 280-50N | Large (50 Mesh) | 280°C | Neutral (N) | 50 |
*Typical expansion values at 600°C. See TDS for full details.
General EG Loading Guidelines
General EG Loading:
- 5–15 wt%: Common range for most polymers to balance flame retardancy and mechanical properties.
- <10 wt%: Recommended for applications requiring good processability and minimal property degradation.
- 15–25 wt%: Used in high-demand flame retardancy applications (e.g., UL-94 V0).
Loading Optimization Principles:
- Total Loading Threshold: Degradation of mechanical properties can be significant above 30 wt% total additives. 15–25 wt% is an optimal balance for most systems.
- Synergist Ratios: An EG:Synergist ratio is typically 2:1 to 3:1 (e.g., 15% EG + 5% synergist).
- Mechanical Property Preservation: Keep EG ≤10 wt% when tensile strength/elongation are critical.
Polymer-Specific Considerations:
- Engineering Plastics (PA6, PC): Tolerate higher loadings (20–25 wt% total).
- Polyolefins (PP, PE): Require careful balancing (15–20 wt% optimal).
- Foams (PUF): Benefit from lower-density synergists to maintain cellular structure.
Ready to Solve Your FR Challenge?
This tool provides a starting point. Our application engineers can help you select the perfect material for your specific design.
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