Fire Retardant Epoxy: Combining Safety With Performance

Ensure fire safety without compromising performance with United Resin’s advanced fire retardant epoxy resin systems. Designed for industries including electronics, aerospace, and construction, our UL 94 V-0 rated epoxies resist ignition, reduce flame spread, and minimize smoke. United Resin combines cutting-edge formulations with sustainable options, such as bio-based resins, to meet your toughest safety standards. Discover how our fire retardant epoxy can enhance the safety profile and performance of your projects today.

At United Resin, fire retardant epoxy resin systems are formulated to deliver a balance of fire resistance, strength, and processing ease. These systems are relied on for applications where performance must meet stringent fire safety standards.

Fire retardant epoxy resin is a type of thermosetting polymer designed to resist ignition and reduce flame propagation. These materials are formulated with special additives that work by interrupting the chemical reactions that sustain combustion. The resins maintain strong adhesion, chemical resistance, and mechanical performance while helping limit fire hazards.

Flame retardant additives commonly used in these formulations include halogenated compounds, phosphorus-based agents, and mineral fillers such as alumina trihydrate (ATH) or magnesium hydroxide. Some systems create a protective char layer that limits oxygen exposure, while others absorb heat or release water vapor to cool the surface.

United Resin has developed several fire retardant epoxy systems that meet high fire performance criteria.

A leading example is EL-CAST VFR PLUS, an exceptional fire retardant epoxy resin offered with a variety of hardeners that cures to form a strong, heat-resistant compound. EL-CAST VFR PLUS  is a high temperature potting and encapsulating resin, with superior flame resistance, achieves 0 second AfterFlame with certain hardeners, has no flame drip and is easy to mix. UL Solutions (UL) rated at 94 V-O, the resin has excellent bonding properties, a high gloss finish with minimal shrinkage, and with 117 hardener is a soft 94 V-O material.  It is used in transformers, filters, alarms, magnetic components, surge protectors, and other heat-sensitive electronic assemblies.

EL-CAST FR PLUS is a cutting-edge one-to-one ratio epoxy resin system that offers superior flame resistance with enhanced fire safety. EL-CAST FR PLUS provides enhanced flame resistance, with the convenience of a 1:1 mixing ratio. It’s an ideal solution for potting and encapsulating electronic components and is rated UL 94 V-O with Hardener 440.  The 1:1 mixing ratio makes mixing straightforward and simple to measure, reducing the chance for errors. An added plus is that there is often less waste.  This advanced solution provides superior bonding capabilities, a high-gloss finish, minimal shrinkage, and high temperature properties. EL-CAST FR PLUS with Hardener 440 is rated UL 94 V-O material, making it the ideal solution for potting and encapsulating a wide range of electronic components, such as printed circuit boards, alarm systems, transformers, filters, capacitors, sensors, connectors, power modules, microchips and integrated circuits, magnetic components, surge protectors, noise interference filters, and marine sonar devices.

EL-CAST 1-F5-TAB VO PLUS is a cutting-edge one-component epoxy resin that offers superior flame resistance with enhanced fire safety.  This product eliminates the process of mixing resin and hardener, reducing the chance for errors with an improper mixing ratio. EL-CAST 1-F5-TAB VO PLUS  speeds up the application process, reduces waste, and offers consistent performance with uniform curing and reliable mechanical properties. There is no need for mixing or dispensing systems. This advanced solution provides superior bonding capabilities, a high-gloss finish, minimal shrinkage, and high temperature properties. It is suitable for potting and encapsulating a large range of electronic components, such as printed circuit boards, alarm systems, transformers, filters, capacitors, sensors, connectors, power modules, microchips and integrated circuits, magnetic components, surge protectors, noise interference filters, and marine sonar devices.

For projects that prioritize renewable content, the Sustain-X™ Bio Series (El-Cast VFR PLUS) offers fire retardant performance with a bio-based formulation. This system provides similar fire resistance with an added benefit of increased sustainability.

Many products can be supplied with various hardeners and catalysts to meet different cure times, viscosities, and application requirements.

Fire retardant epoxy resin is used in a wide range of industries to help reduce fire risks while supporting structural and electrical performance:

• Aerospace: Used in composite panels, adhesives, and cabin assemblies
• Electronics: Applied in potting and encapsulating PCBs, transformers, coils, and other electronic assemblies
• Construction: Used for fire-rated adhesives, surface coatings, and insulation systems
• Transportation: Applied in battery systems, dashboards, and structural parts
• Defense and Industrial: Used in drones, shipboard components, and electronics housings

Fire retardant epoxy formulations from United Resin are tested to meet important safety and performance benchmarks. These include the UL 94 V-0 rating, REACH and RoHS compliance, and Mil-Spec availability for government and defense applications. Our products are manufactured at our U. S. facility, under our quality management system certified to ISO 9001 standards.

Each epoxy system undergoes evaluation for flame resistance, dielectric strength, and thermal performance. Consistent product quality and technical support are priorities at every stage.