Antimony trioxide
Antimony trioxide (Sb₂O₃) is an inorganic oxide of antimony used chiefly as a flame-retardant synergist and in glass and ceramic production.
Halogenated flame retardants: Flame-retardant chemicals containing halogens, often used with antimony trioxide in polymer formulations. They react with antimony compounds to suppress combustion in many plastics.
Flame retardant: A substance or treatment that reduces the ignition, spread, or intensity of fire. Antimony trioxide functions as an additive within broader flame-retardant systems.
Antimony: A brittle, silvery metalloid with chemical symbol Sb and atomic number 51. Antimony trioxide is one of the element’s principal commercial compounds.
Antimony toxicity: Adverse biological effects caused by exposure to antimony or its compounds. Toxicological assessment guides controls for antimony trioxide exposure.
Polyvinyl chloride: A widely used thermoplastic polymer made from vinyl chloride monomers. Antimony trioxide can enhance flame resistance in PVC formulations.
Antimony trichloride: An antimony halide, SbCl₃, that can form during combustion of antimony-containing, halogenated materials. Volatile antimony halides help interrupt flame-propagating radical reactions.
Antimony(III) oxide: The chemical name for Sb₂O₃, in which antimony has oxidation state +3. This formal name identifies the oxidation state represented in the compound’s formula.
Occupational exposure limit: A regulatory or advisory concentration limit for a hazardous substance in workplace air. Dust control and monitoring are used to meet applicable limits for antimony compounds.
Polyester: A family of polymers containing ester linkages, including fibers and packaging plastics. Antimony compounds serve as catalysts in producing some polyesters, especially polyethylene terephthalate.
Free-radical chain reaction: A reaction sequence in which reactive radicals generate further radicals through propagation steps. Gas-phase flame suppression works partly by disrupting radical chains.