The antimony oxide Sb2O3 is a flame retardant for plastics, paints and elastomers, whose
operation is conditioned by the presence of halogen compounds . The antimony oxide reacts with these compounds during the combustion. The so-formed compound (oxy- halide Antimony) opposed itself to the combustion of the burning polymer.
Considered as heavy metal, antimony oxide is often replaced by other flame retardant systems but it remains essential in many applications, mainly in the building industry (flexible composite structures, coated fabrics, tarpaulins, awnings, blinds, PVC and rubber elastomers fireproofing).
