- ▸ Halogen-free flame retardant for glass-filled and unfilled nylon 6 and nylon 66, where it promotes char formation and dripping suppression to help reach UL 94 V-0/V-2 ratings in electrical connectors, switches, and housings.
- ▸ Smoke- and corrosion-reducing alternative to halogenated flame retardants in thermoplastic compounds for electrical and electronic (E&E) components.
- ▸ Anti-dripping and intumescent co-additive in polyolefin and intumescent coating systems, contributing nitrogen-source gas evolution during combustion.
- ▸ Solid lubricant and friction-reducing additive in engineering-plastic compounds and certain metalworking/lubricant formulations owing to its layered crystal structure.
- ▸ Flame-retardant filler in polyurethane foams and thermoset systems requiring a non-halogen, low-toxicity additive.
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
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Melamine cyanurate (MCA) is the standard halogen-free flame retardant for unreinforced nylon — a nitrogen-based adduct of melamine and cyanuric acid that flame-retards polyamides and also acts as a lubricant additive. Identity: CAS 37640-57-6.
What it is
Melamine cyanurate (CAS 37640-57-6, C6H9N9O3) is a white crystalline powder, a 1:1 adduct of melamine and cyanuric acid. It is halogen-free and is the go-to flame retardant for unfilled/unreinforced polyamides.
How it performs in fire
It works mainly in the condensed and gas phases for nylon: it promotes dripping of the burning polymer away from the flame and releases inert gases that dilute it, achieving high flammability ratings in unreinforced PA at modest loading. (Glass-reinforced nylon, which cannot drip, instead uses phosphinate-based systems such as aluminum diethylphosphinate.) MCA also functions as a high-performance lubricant additive.
Applications
Melamine cyanurate is used as a flame retardant in unreinforced polyamide (PA6, PA66) fibers and moldings, and in some intumescent and coating systems, and as a lubricant additive. See nitrogen synergists in the flame retardants guide.
Forms, grades and handling
MCA is supplied as a fine white powder graded by particle size in bags and bulk. Properties are typical reference values; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot you buy governs. Handle per the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and confirm regulatory status and restrictions for your market and end use. Each lot ships with CoA, TDS and SDS.
Bulk supply and RFQ
RawSource sources Melamine Cyanurate direct from producers in bulk, with CoA, TDS and SDS per lot. Tell us your polymer or system, the fire test you must pass, your maximum loading, and any particle-size or grade requirement, and we will quote the right grade. See the full range and selection logic in the flame retardants guide.
Typical Properties
Typical reference values, not a specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot governs.
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical / class | Flame retardant (nitrogen-based, for nylon) |
| Flame-retardant type | Nitrogen-based (halogen-free) |
| Role in fire performance | Gas dilution + char; for nylon |
| CAS Number | 37640-57-6 |
| Molecular Formula | C6H9N9O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 255.2 g/mol |
| Handling | Refer to the current SDS |
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU):
- EC number: 253-575-7
TSCA Inventory flag PMN: a commenced PMN (premanufacture notice) substance (EPA flag legend).
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What is melamine cyanurate (MCA) used for?
Melamine cyanurate (MCA, CAS 37640-57-6) is the standard halogen-free flame retardant for unreinforced nylon (PA6, PA66), where it promotes dripping and releases inert gases to achieve high flammability ratings; it is also used as a lubricant additive.
Can melamine cyanurate be used in glass-reinforced nylon?
Generally no — MCA relies on the polymer dripping away from the flame, which glass-reinforced nylon resists, so reinforced grades typically use phosphinate-based flame retardants such as aluminum diethylphosphinate instead.
How is bulk melamine cyanurate supplied and quoted?
RawSource supplies melamine cyanurate in bulk with CoA, TDS and SDS per lot. Pricing is quote-based on grade, particle size and volume; submit an RFQ with your polymer/system and the fire test you must pass.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of Melamine Cyanurate?
Melamine Cyanurate (CAS 37640-57-6) is subject to U.S. TSCA Inventory requirements; supplying it into the EU requires valid REACH registration ((EC) No 1907/2006). RawSource cannot verify a third-party supplier's registrations — buyers should require documented TSCA and REACH compliance for their jurisdiction and volume (EC 253-575-7).