TAGS: Flame Retardants Sustainability / Natural Solutions
Tolsa reports growing demand for its ADINS® range of flame-retardant additives. It provides a sustainable solution to replace polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as an anti-drip mechanism in flame retardant formulations.
Tolsa will highlight this emerging market trend and identify the latest applications at the upcoming NPE 2024 (Booth S-30174), May 6-10 in Orlando, Florida.
Seen 70% Increase in Demand for PTFE Alternatives
Since November 2023, Tolsa has seen a 70% increase in demand for alternatives to PTFE as an anti-drip mechanism, according to Dr. Marta Sacristán, Tolsa's functional additives product manager.
Most of this growth is focused on the production of polycarbonate (PC) and PC/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) compounds and polyolefins such as PP, PE, EVA.
ADINS® additives meet increasingly stringent environmental, health and safety regulations. These regulations directly influence the demand for alternative and safe materials.
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The ADINS® Additives range offers a more complete improvement in flame retardancy properties, as these products do not just act as an antidrip. It offers a more sustainable solution where much of the content comes from natural sources,” said Dr. Sacristán. “
The ADINS technology is very versatile and can be fine-tuned to meet the performance needs of formulators and end users.”
Working with Global Companies for PTFE free Automotive Parts
Tolsa has already validated the use of ADINS® additives as a PTFE replacement in an electric vehicle (EV) battery case application in the U.K. The company is also working with global companies in various parts of the world to replace PTFE in automotive parts or electrical appliances, among other end-use applications.
ADINS® products meet the growing demand for synergists. It optimizes the use of conventional flame retardants. It also provides and enhances desired properties and functionalities such as anti-drip, char promotion, significant reduction of smoke and heat generation, among others. ADINS® technology enables the development of customized grades to meet specific customer and industry requirements.
Halogen and Halogen-Free Formulations (HFFR) require the use of anti-dripping agents. A commonly used drip suppressant is poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE), which forms a network structure through shear-induced fibrillation to effectively reduce dripping. However, there is controversy about the health risks of these PFAS classes of "forever chemicals" that include PTFE. There are health concerns about the perfluorinated substances used to make PTFE.
Product Range Based on Acicular Silicates
The products in the ADINS® Additives range are based on acicular silicates. Their surface is modified with organic compounds to facilitate dispersion in polymeric matrices. This structure increases the consistency of the char, improving its properties and gas barrier capabilities.
This improved char reduces heat release and flame propagation. It also reduces smoke emission and dripping. Key applications include wire and cable, electrical and electronics, construction (pipes, insulation foams, etc.) and transportation.
ADINS® additives can be used in all types of matrix polymers (thermoplastics, thermosets, and rubbers). They work in combination with all types of flame-retardant additives (halogenated, hydroxide, P-based intumescent). Manufacturers of FR compounds can use the same equipment as for other components to produce these ADINS®-based formulations.
Source: Tolsa