Aluminium hydroxide is use as a fire retardant filler for polymer applications. It decomposes at about 180 C, absorbing a considerable amount of heat in the process and giving off water vapour. In addition to behaving as a fire retardant, it is very effective as a smoke suppressant in a wide range of polymers, most especially in polyesters, acrylics, ethylene vinyl acetate, epoxies, PVC, rubber.