Flame Retardant Synergists for Nylons

The Adins flame retardant technology offered by Spain’s Tolsa is further being expanded to include use in nylon resins for electrical/electronic (E&E), automotive, transportation, and textile markets. The Adins portfolio is comprised of a versatile range of additives for polymers that act as synergists with halogen and halogen-free flame retardant systems. They are reportedly a highly suitable alternative to antimony trioxide (ATO), one of the most widely used FR additives but whose safety is under regulatory study due to toxicity and carcinogenicity concerns.

At this month’s K 2022 trade show, Tolsa will share the latest developments in its Adins range of flame-retardant additives for PP, PVC, rubber polymer systems, and silicones, along with its Adins Protection range for biocide applications. In a recent development, Tolsa has translated its unique FR technology to nylon matrices for applications in electrical/electronics, automotive, transportation, and textile markets. The company is developing new products for these systems, and has completed extensive testing with nylon matrices using a range of Adins products.

Adins synergists promote char formation and create a physical barrier, protecting the material and reducing heat and smoke emission as well as volatile organic compounds (VOC). The required dosage is low, ranging from 1% to 5% for commonly used formulations, however, the impact on properties is significant, even allowing a reduction in FR doses. In PP and PVC, Adins has been shown to help reduce up to 50% or eliminate the ATO content from formulations when combined with flame retardant systems like ATH or MDH. Tolsa claims it has successfully reduced Total Heat Release (THR) levels more than 20% compared to competitive additive solutions.

Tolsa will also highlight the wire and cable market where Adins FR products are meeting the growing demand for synergists in an environment of increasingly stringent regulations as well as environmental, health and safety standards which are directly influencing the demand for alternative and safe materials.