Melamine cyanurate

Melamine cyanurate (CAS 37640-57-6), commonly abbreviated as MCA, is a halogen-free flame retardant formed from the equimolar complex of melamine and cyanuric acid. It is used across plastics and textiles to meet fire safety standards.

This chemical is utilized in engineered materials to avoid the regulatory concerns associated with halogenated systems. In polyamide compounds, MCA is the dominant flame retardant additive, enabling UL 94 V-0 ratings at low loading levels.

It is effective in both glass-filled and unfilled grades of nylon. Textile and fiber applications use MCA to impart durable flame resistance in technical fabrics for automotive interiors, workwear, and aerospace seating components.

In building and construction, it is incorporated into coatings, sealants, and insulation materials. These applications require fire performance alongside low smoke and toxicity targets to ensure safety in residential and commercial structures.

Engineered thermoplastic formulations for electrical and electronic components also rely on MCA. This is particularly important where halogen-free compliance is a procurement or regulatory requirement for global manufacturing standards.

Melamine cyanurate is supplied as a white powder with particle size distributions optimized for different compounding processes. Technical and polymer grades are the most common commercial forms available for industrial use.

Specifications are typically defined by purity, d50 particle size, and bulk density. Surface-treated variants are available for improved dispersion in polyamide and other polymer matrices to ensure consistent material performance.