1. Product Overview
Aluminum hypophosphite (AHP, Al(H₂PO₂)₃) is a white, water-insoluble inorganic phosphorus flame retardant — among those with the highest phosphorus loading of any commercial flame retardant. It is the cost-effective, halogen-free answer for flame-retardant engineering plastics, delivering UL94 V-0 performance to glass-fiber-reinforced polyesters (PBT/PET), nylons and many other polymers.
AHP combines high flame-retardant efficiency with practical robustness: it is insoluble in water, non-hydrolyzing, non-migrating, easily dispersed, thermally stable above 300 °C and halogen-free with low smoke. It works alone or in synergistic phosphorus–nitrogen systems, protecting electrical connectors, coil formers, relay housings and industrial parts from combustion without the toxicity and corrosion of brominated retardants. One salt, the phosphorus workhorse of halogen-free engineering plastics.
A single salt, four core value propositions:
Halogen-Free Flame Retardancy:
● a high-phosphorus halogen-free flame retardant achieving UL94 V-0 in polyesters and nylons;
Engineering Plastics & GRTP:
● flame retardancy for glass-fiber-reinforced PBT/PET and PA6/PA66/PA46 compounds;
Synergistic FR Systems:
● a synergistic partner of nitrogen retardants (MCA, PEPA-M) for low-loading, high-performance systems;
Broad Polymer Compatibility:
● flame retardant for polyurethane, epoxy, LDPE, PP, PVC, TPU, unsaturated polyester and coatings.
2. Product Information (Quick Facts)
Item | Specification |
Chemical Name | Aluminum hypophosphite (AHP) |
Synonyms | AHP; Aluminium hypophosphite; Aluminum phosphinate; Hypophosphorous acid, aluminum salt |
CAS No. | 7784-22-7 |
EC No. (EINECS) | 232-055-3 |
Molecular Formula | Al(H₂PO₂)₃ |
Molecular Weight | 221.95 g/mol |
Appearance | White crystalline powder |
Solubility | Insoluble in water — water-resistant, non-hydrolyzing, no migration |
3. Chemistry & Mechanism
AHP is the aluminum salt of hypophosphorous acid, in which each aluminum cation balances three H₂PO₂⁻ anions. The hypophosphite group is almost half phosphorus by mass,which is the highest phosphorus loading among common flame retardants. On combustion, AHP acts in both phases: in the condensed phase it promotes char formation that insulates the polymer, and in the gas phase it releases phosphorus species that scavenge combustion-propagating radicals.
Unlike many phosphorus salts, AHP is insoluble in water and does not hydrolyze or migrate, so it keeps glass-reinforced and thin-wall parts stable under humid service. It is distinguished from the higher-cost aluminum diethylphosphinate (ADP) by its higher phosphorus content and lower price; ADP remains preferred for very high-temperature polymers because of its crystal-phase stability.
4. Key Features & Benefits
● Ultra-high phosphorus content : maximum flame-retardant efficiency at economical loading.
● Water-insoluble and non-migrating: stable performance in humid service, no blooming or hydrolysis.
● Halogen-free, low-smoke, low-toxicity: modern fire protection without halogen corrosion or dense smoke.
● High thermal stability: decomposes above ≈ 300 °C, surviving polyester and nylon processing.
● Excellent dispersibility: fine powder blends uniformly in glass-fiber-reinforced compounds.
● Synergistic flexibility: combines with MCA, PEPA-M and other nitrogen retardants for optimized systems.
● Broad polymer reach: PBT/PET, PA6/PA66/PA46, polyurethane, epoxy, polyolefins, TPU and coatings.
5. Main Applications
5.1 Halogen-Free Flame Retardancy (Core Application)
AHP is the cost-effective phosphorus retardant of engineering plastics:
● Glass-fiber-reinforced PBT/PET: UL94 V-0 flame retardancy for polyester compounds;
● Nylon systems: PA6, PA66 and PA46 with and without glass reinforcement;
● Alternative to brominated systems: halogen-free, low-smoke protection without corrosion and toxicity;
● High-efficiency loading: high phosphorus content minimizes additive dosage.
5.2 Engineering Plastics & Electrical Components
● Electrical connectors and terminals: flame-retardant housings for power and signal applications;
● Coil formers, relays and switches: V-0-rated electrical components;
● Thin-wall parts: effective flame retardancy in thin-wall injection moldings;
● Industrial parts: flame-retardant mechanical and automotive components.
5.3 Synergistic FR Systems
● P–N synergy: combined with MCA, PEPA-M (pentaerythritol phosphate melamine) and other nitrogen retardants;
● Composite formulations: multi-component halogen-free systems (e.g. PEPA-M + MCA + AHP + TPP) at reduced loading;
● Intumescent systems: phosphorus component for expanding-char coatings and plastics;
● Tailored formulations: custom systems for UL94 V-0, GWIT and CTI requirements.
5.4 Broad Polymer Compatibility
● Polyurethane: rigid and flexible foam flame retardancy;
● Epoxy and unsaturated polyester: thermoset and composite applications;
● Polyolefins: LDPE, PP, XPS, EPS and PVC systems;
● TPU, coatings and textiles: flame-retardant additive across materials.
6. Packaging, Storage & Transport
Packaging (customizable):
● 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.
7. 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;
8. FAQ
Q1: What is aluminum hypophosphite (AHP) used for?
AHP is a halogen-free phosphorus flame retardant. It is used mainly in glass-fiber-reinforced PBT/PET and nylon (PA6, PA66, PA46) compounds to reach UL94 V-0, and also in polyurethane, epoxy, polyolefins, TPU and coatings, alone or in synergistic phosphorus–nitrogen systems.
Q2: What is the difference between AHP and ADP (aluminum diethylphosphinate)?
Both are aluminum phosphinate-type flame retardants, but they differ in chemistry and positioning: AHP (hypophosphite) carries high phosphorus loading and is lower in cost; ADP (diethylphosphinate) has lower phosphorus but better crystal-phase and thermal stability, making it the premium choice for very-high-temperature polymers and demanding electrical specifications. Many formulators use AHP for cost-efficiency and ADP where extreme processing temperatures dominate.
Q3: How does AHP work as a flame retardant?
AHP acts in both phases: in the condensed phase it promotes char formation that insulates the polymer and blocks oxygen; in the gas phase it releases phosphorus species that scavenge combustion-propagating radicals. Because it is water-insoluble and non-migrating, the flame-retardant effect is stable in humid service and long product life.
Q4: Is AHP safe to handle?
AHP is halogen-free, low-toxicity and environmentally preferred, but the fine powder can irritate eyes and airways, dust can form explosive atmospheres, and hypophosphites can release toxic phosphine (PH₃) if overheated or acidified — avoid strong acids and excessive temperatures. Use dust masks, gloves and goggles, and control dust. It is an industrial chemical, not a food ingredient.