ADDITIVES | FLAME RETARDANTS


Above: CAI says its latest silsesquioxane- based halogen- free flame retardant can achieve UL 94 V-0 in PC films down to 0.25mm


includes evaluation and assessment of gas phase activity, char as well as ignition temperatures, the toolkit has already been correlated against UL94 testing, says Paul. Paxymer’s synergist technology is based on functional polymers. It allows for reduction of up to 33% of FR additive in formulations with maintained performance and reduced cost of the final applica- tion as a result, according to the company. The material employs a crosslinking technology with a high activation temperature for a broad processing window. It acts as a drip suppressant and char reinforcement, Paul says. He says it also increases the gas phase activity of several PFR systems so can achieve self-extinguishing performance at lower concentrations of additive. Paxymer has developed masterbatch systems for PP and HDPE and is also working with synergis- tic systems in PP and HDPE as well as verifying performance in PA, PC and PC/ABS. It is said to be particularly efficient as a drop suppressant and has proven a critical ingredient in more complex formulations for strengthening char in larger scale testing such as the Steiner Tunnel test.


Right: Akrotek PK-VM GF FR polyketone is designed especially for busbar applications in electric vehicles


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PTFE-free for E&E Cesa, from Avient, is a new line of PTFE-free and non-halogen flame retardant additives specifically engineered for use in polycarbonate for electrical and electronic products. Traditionally, flame-retardant additives for this material and application often con- tained PTFE as an anti-drip additive. However, the polymer may be included in restrictions on per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) in the future. The Cesa formulations are halogen-free in


accordance with the International Electrochemical Commission’s (IEC) 61249-2-21 standard, which


COMPOUNDING WORLD | December 2023 www.compoundingworld.com


defines halogen-free as having total halogens equal to or less than, 1500 ppm. They are suitable for a variety of PC grades, including materials with recycled content, says Avient. The additives can help achieve Glow-Wire Flammability index temperatures up to 960°C according to IEC 60695-2-12 testing protocols. In addition, Avient is expanding its reSound Bio bio-based and reSound Rec recycled content thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) portfolios with the launch of a new range of halogen-free flame-re- tardant (HFFR) grades. The new grades have been developed to meet growing demand in consumer electronic applications such as USB-C connector cable jackets made with sustainable raw materials that also meet strict flame-retardant compliance without compromising performance or process- ability, according to Matt Mitchell, Global Market- ing Director. The latest flame retardant from CAI Perfor- mance Additives is a silsesquioxane-based halogen-free additive claimed to achieve UL 94 V-0 in polycarbonate films down to 0.25mm at less than 1% loading. The company says the product also improves resistance of PC film to weathering and yellowing, and to hydrolysis in water-contact applications. “We are in the era of removing halogens and other unwanted long-lasting chemicals from the supply chain. Flame retardants are one clear area where this is needed. ST-SR487 is one such option for polycarbonates. Thin PC film, for example, is prone to fail the drip tests. This additive is a clever way to do that while avoiding unwanted halogens in the process,” says Torey McCleskey, COO for CAI. Technical compounder Akro Plastic offers


several recently developed flame-retardant products that are halogen free, free of red phos- phorous and do not contain any zinc borates, says Thilo Stier, Global Sales Director & Innovation Manager. The company recently presented Akromid C3 GF 25 1 FR, which yields an RTI Listing up to 150°C


IMAGE: CAI PERFORMANCE ADDITIVES


IMAGE: AKRO PLASTIC


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