Albemarle increases ATH production capacity

Albemarle Corporation is expanding production capacity for its Martinal® fine precipitated alumina trihydrate (ATH) flame retardants at its Bergheim, Germany-based Martinswerk manufacturing site. The company says that this is to meet growing global demand for flame retardant wire and cable compounds.

According to Albemarle, Martinal fine precipitated ATH is used as a filler and flame retardant in wire and cable and other plastics applications processed below 200°C because of the additive's environmental profile, non corrosiveness, recyclability and good smoke-suppressant properties. The projected capacity increase is 20,000 metric tons and is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

Albemarle and joint venture partner RHI Group have also recently declared that a similar capacity expansion for Magnifin® flame retardants at Magnifin Magnesiaprodukte GmbH in Breitenau, Austria has just been completed. The company adds that Magnifin mineral flame retardants are used for halogen-free applications where processing temperatures exceed 200°C.

Albemarle Corporation; www.albemarle.com