ADDITIVES | FLAME RETARDANTS
Figure 2: Comparisons of smoke density and OC emissions of different flame retardant PP compounds using Adeka’s ADK Stab and
conventional flame retardant systems
Source: Adeka
classification used for films) at 0.075mm. Mike Goode, Chief Commercial Officer at FRX, says the most common way currently to improve flammability in PC sheet is to use a perfluoro butyl sulphonate (KPFBS), which is a so-called forev- er chemical. “Regulators are focused on the family of PFAS forever chemicals and brand-owners in- creasingly want KPFBS to be removed,” he says. “Several companies are trying the new formula- tions, with some already at customer trials. Nofia CO 6000 is the main recommendation together with the new product Nofia CO 6010 EX, which is mainly intended for white polycarbonate sheets.” Goode also points to the importance of PC/ABS in applications where performance requirements are increasing. He says one driver is ecodesign legislation in the European Union and upcoming restrictions in a number of states in the US, most notably Washington. He says legislation has already passed there banning the use of halogenated flame retardants in enclosures and stands for TVs and monitors. “There is an opportunity for us in thinwall PC/
ABS. It is possible to obtain V-0 at 0.8mm and to do so with an HDT at least 30°C higher,” he says. “A lot of components are already in PC/ABS, but there is a growing need for thinner walls.” Goode says FRX also anticipates further growth in flame retardant PET in a variety of applications, including fibres as well as moulded and extruded products for applications in consumer electronics and medical equipment. “There is a general perception that PET is a greener material than other thermoplastics,” he says.
Multifunctional gains Evolution of the Phoslite family of halogen-free flame retardant technology based on inorganic phosphinates continues at Italmatch Chemicals. Despite their simple molecular structure, inorganic
22 COMPOUNDING WORLD | December 2022
phosphinates show a relatively complex and multiple mode of action, according to Ugo Zuc- chelli, Global Sales and Technical Assistance Manager for Plastics Additives. “This peculiar ‘multifunctional’ feature means that specific synergic additives have to be carefully evaluated to balance the most efficient FR formulations, tailor- made to specific polymer systems,” he says. Phoslite grades have been in use from some
years in PP rated V-2, in PC and PC alloys, and more recently in TPU for wire and cable. “The recent challenges represented by electrical vehicle needs has pushed further development of new solutions based on Phoslite,” Zucchelli says. Halogen-free formulations are now available for various glass fibre reinforced polymers. Italmatch says that in PA6 compounds, Phoslite offers a very good balance of high GWIT, resistance to colour change in orange compounds, and low corrosion. The company says a GWIT of 850°C can be achieved at thicknesses lower than 1mm. In glass fibre-reinforced PP compounds, very good electri- cal properties are maintained in humid environ- ments. PBT compounds can be formulated with a UL94 V-0 rating, high CTI (more than 600V), and resistance to hydrolysis. Italmatch recently started construction of a second flame retardant line in China, which is a major market for flame retardants for electrical and electronic applications. The new capacity will serve domestic and overseas markets and is expected to start-up in 2023. Smoke is also a major concern in fire situations
and Adeka points to the ability of its ADK Stab phosphorus-nitrogen intumescent flame retardants (IFRs) to suppress smoke emissions (Figure 2). “IFRs are very successful as they lead to flame retardancy and smoke suppression while used at a significant lower dosage compared to metal hydroxides,” the company claims.
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