Flame retardants are intended to limit, slow or prevent the spread of fires. Whether in upholstered furniture, car seats or carpets – flame retardants are used wherever there are potential sources of fire. Expandable graphite is particularly suitable as a flame retardant additive: When heat is applied to the material, the graphite expands and swells to create a protective layer on the surface, slowing the spread of the fire. Moreover, by sealing cavities, e.g. by using sleeves containing expandable graphite (for pipeline systems, for instance), the material blocks combustion gases which would otherwise penetrate the material.
