and hydromagnesite are used similarly. These mixtures start to decompose at temperatures around 180 C to 220 C (depending on the type of aluminium hydroxide used), absorbing a considerable amount of heat in the process and giving off water vapour. The decomposition rate of aluminium hydroxide increases with an increase in temperature, with a reported maximum rate at 250 C.

In addition to behaving as a fire retardant, it is very effective as a smoke suppressant in a wide range of polymers, most especially