ADDITIVES | FLAME RETARDANTS
Albemarle said it has demonstrated ATO-free
formulations in polyolefins and PC/ABS, and it is developing formulations in other resin systems. The company said that polymeric brominated FRs, such as its Saytex Alero, provide a pathway to maintain performance in ATO-free formulations. The polymeric structure provides enhanced material stability and minimised environmental impacts, with reduced migration, compared to non-poly- meric FRs, the company said. One growing area for flame-retardant thermo- plastics is in data centres and high-speed telecom infrastructure applications, Albemarle noted, adding that its flame retardants are engineered to support thermal and fire safety requirements in these environments. ICL began researching alternatives to ATO more than a decade ago and has developed multiple formulations using known synergists and available materials. For example, the company has ATO-free FR formulas for PA66, ABS and several other resins. Flexible PVC is particularly challenging to flame- retard without ATO, but ICL has developed a formulation that uses a less-flammable plasticiser and additional FR additive. The company also has cost effective low-ATO formulations in PA66, PP and many other polymers. “[ICL’s portfolio of] brominated polymeric flame
retardants leverage macromolecular design to deliver thermal stability, low migration and many more benefits to flame retardant compounds,” said Jakub Lison, Regional Sales Director, Americas at ICL Group. “They can be utilised to replace smaller additive molecules, including DPDBE [decabro- modiphenyl ethane], to allow for more sustainable designs. Due to their inherent stability, they show great performance in post-industrial and post-con- sumer recycling.” The latest from CAI Performance Additives is
ST-FR322, a synergist that is a drop-in alternative to ATO for flame-retardant polyolefin films and sheets, as well as in PVC, ABS, HIPS, PA, and PBT. The modified zeolite material (an organic-inorganic complex) can be used to replace up to 60% ATO. The company said it matches ATO’s performance while improving flow and smoke suppression. A new ATO-free solution from CAI Performance Additives is ST-FR309 for polyester-based materi- als. The additive fully replaces ATO in PET and PBT. It forms a stable carbonised layer in polyester to suppress flame spread and smoke effectively. The issues with ATO have accelerated the
transition to halogen-free flame retardants (HFFRs), suggested Tosaf. “The move toward halogen-free systems is no longer driven only by regulation – it’s
14 COMPOUNDING WORLD | December 2025
Incorporation of 50% ST-FR322 synergist from CAI Performance Additives Performance in ATO Source: CAI
also about performance and long-term value, and affordability,” said Asaf Eylon, President of Addi- tives & Whites at Tosaf. “With improved material efficiency, Tosaf’s latest HFFR solutions now come at an affordable price point.” The latest from Tosaf is FR8719PP, a high-perfor-
mance, cost-effective, HFFR masterbatch for PP compounds that is formulated without ATO while meeting UL94 V2 performance with dosages as low as 3-10%, the company reported. These lower levels (compared to intumescent additive loadings above 20%) have minimal die build-up and maintain mechanical strength in the final product. The additive shows no long-term migration. It can be used in applications such as PP pipe, construc- tion, automotive, and shipping packaging. Tosaf’s new FR7903PP EU is a halogen-free solution that can meet the more stringent UL94 category 5VA for flame resistance.
Mineral additives Tolsa, which supplies specialty clay mineral-based additives, said its ATO-free Adins flame retardants have been found to enhance char formation, improve drip suppression, and reduce smoke and heat release as an FR synergist in polymers including PVC, PA, and PP as well as in rubber and coatings. The company, based in Madrid, highlighted its ability to supply Europe with short lead times, and also noted that its additives were available in the US through distributors. As one example, Adins is being used in HFFR compounds for cable manufac- turing, where the additive reduced peak heat release and smoke production while improving the char structure.
�
www.compoundingworld.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
