99% Melamine cyanurate CAS 37640-57-6 MCA

Product Overview

Melamine cyanurate (MCA) is a 1:1 hydrogen-bonded adduct of melamine and cyanuric acid — a white, odorless, non-toxic crystalline powder with a nitrogen content of about 49%. It is the leading nitrogen-based, halogen-free flame retardant of the polyamide industry, delivering reliable flame retardancy to unreinforced PA6 and PA66 without the corrosion, smoke and toxicity of halogenated systems.

MCA works especially well in nylon because its chemistry resembles the polyamide structure itself — it disperses evenly, does not migrate or bloom, preserves mechanical and electrical properties, and suppresses dripping. The same additive serves TPU wire coatings, PP, PBT, polyurethane, phenolics, epoxy, rubber, coatings and textiles, and acts as a processing lubricant in polymer compounding. One flame retardant, the nitrogen-based workhorse of engineering plastics.

A single adduct, four core value propositions:

Halogen-Free Flame Retardancy:

● a nitrogen-based (triazine) halogen-free flame retardant with high thermal stability and low smoke;

Polyamide & Engineering Plastics:

● the standard flame retardant of unreinforced PA6/PA66 with no blooming and preserved properties;

Electrical & TPU Applications:

● flame retardancy for TPU wire coatings and electrical components with excellent insulation;

Lubrication & Synergistic Systems:

● a processing lubricant and a synergistic partner of phosphorus flame retardants (MPP, APP).

Product Information (Quick Facts)

Chemistry & Structure

MCA is formed by self-assembly of melamine (triaminotriazine) and cyanuric acid through complementary hydrogen bonding, yielding a 1:1 molecular adduct (C₃H₆N₆·C₃H₃N₃O₃). The structure is extraordinarily stable — MCA resists decomposition below 300 °C, sublimes around 350 °C and only decomposes near 440 – 450 °C — which lets it survive polymer processing temperatures while activating precisely in a fire.

Its flame-retardant mechanism is physical and nitrogen-driven: on heating, MCA absorbs energy, sublimes and decomposes endothermically, releasing inert ammonia/nitrogen gas that dilutes combustible volatiles and suppresses dripping, with very low smoke. Because MCA's hydrogen-bonded structure resembles the amide chemistry of nylon, it disperses at the molecular level in PA6/PA66, giving homogeneous flame protection without migration.

Key Features & Benefits

● Halogen-free and low-toxicity: nitrogen-based fire protection without halogen corrosivity, dense smoke or toxic gases.

● Outstanding thermal stability: stable to 300 °C+, withstanding polyamide and engineering-plastic processing.

● No blooming, no migration: molecular-level dispersion in nylon keeps surfaces clean and properties stable.

● Preserved mechanical and electrical performance: flame retardancy without sacrificing strength or insulation.

● Anti-drip action: suppresses melt dripping in burning thermoplastics.

● Excellent polymer compatibility: works in PA6/PA66, TPU, PP, PBT, polyurethane, phenolics, epoxy and rubber.

● Processing lubrication: reduces friction in polymer compounding and molding.

● Synergistic flexibility: combines with MPP, APP and other phosphorus retardants for enhanced systems.

Main Applications

1. Halogen-Free Flame Retardancy (Core Application)

MCA is the nitrogen-based flame retardant of modern engineering plastics:

● Unreinforced polyamide: flame-retardant PA6 and PA66 fibers, films and moldings;

● PP, PBT and polyurethane: flame-retardant loading in thermoplastics and elastomers;

● Phenolics, epoxy, acrylic and silicone: flame retardant across thermoset systems;

● Coatings and textiles: flame-retardant component in paints and fabric treatments.

2. Polyamide & Engineering Plastics

● No-bloom performance: MCA stays dispersed in nylon, avoiding surface migration during service;

● Mechanical integrity: retains strength, modulus and impact of flame-retardant moldings;

● Drip suppression: reduces dangerous melt-dripping in electrical and automotive parts;

● Processing friendly: easily compounded in twin-screw extrusion and molding lines.

3. Electrical & TPU Applications

● TPU wire and cable coatings: flame retardancy for electrical wire insulation;

● Connectors, switches and housings: electrical components with stable insulation properties;

● Electronic enclosures: low-smoke, halogen-free protection for consumer and industrial electronics.

4. Lubrication & Synergistic Systems

● Processing lubricant: reduces friction and improves surface quality in polymer processing;

● Phosphorus synergy: combined with MPP or APP for intumescent and reinforced-polymer systems;

● Specialty formulations: coatings, foams and textiles needing nitrogen flame retardancy.

Packaging, Storage

Packaging (customizable):

● 20 kg / 25 kg multi-wall paper bag with PE liner, 25 kg fiber drum, or 500 kg – 1,000 kg FIBC;

Storage:

● Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat;

● Keep containers tightly closed to prevent contamination and moisture pick-up;

● Store away from strong oxidizers; fine powder can form combustible dust;

● Recommended storage temperature 5 °C – 35 °C.

Why Choose Jinan Future Chemical Co., Ltd.?

● Factory-direct supply: own production capacity, transparent pricing, no middleman markup;

● Stable quality: strict internal control, every batch tested, COA with every shipment;small trial orders accepted.

● Export experience: familiar with sea/air shipping documentation for chemical commodities, complete paperwork support;

FAQ

Q1: What is melamine cyanurate (MCA) used for?

MCA is a halogen-free nitrogen-based flame retardant, used mainly in unreinforced PA6 and PA66 (fibers, films, moldings), TPU wire coatings, PP, PBT, polyurethane, phenolics, epoxy, rubber, coatings and textiles. It also acts as a processing lubricant in polymer compounding and synergizes with phosphorus flame retardants.

Q2: What is the difference between MCA and MPP (melamine polyphosphate)?

Both are melamine-based halogen-free flame retardants, but they target different systems: MCA is a pure nitrogen (triazine) retardant ideal for unreinforced PA6/PA66 and TPU, where it gives no-bloom, anti-drip protection. MPP is a phosphorus–nitrogen intumescent retardant with higher thermal stability, used for glass-fiber-reinforced and high-temperature nylons. They are often combined in engineering-plastic formulations.

Q3: How does MCA work as a flame retardant?

MCA acts physically and through nitrogen chemistry: on heating it sublimes and decomposes endothermically (absorbing heat), releasing inert ammonia/nitrogen gas that dilutes combustible volatiles, and suppresses melt dripping — all with very low smoke and no halogen. Its hydrogen-bonded structure closely resembles polyamide chemistry, so it disperses at molecular level in nylon for uniform, migration-free protection.

Q4: Is MCA safe to handle?

Yes — MCA is non-toxic, odorless and environmentally friendly, and it is one of the safest flame retardant classes in use. The fine powder can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract, and dust can form explosive atmospheres in bulk handling. Use dust masks, gloves and goggles, avoid generating dust, and control ignition sources. It is an industrial chemical, not a food ingredient.