PTFE replacements in FR applications at NPE 2024

Tolsa reports growing demand for its ADINS^® Additives as a sustainable solution for the replacement of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as an anti-dripping mechanism for flame retardant formulations. Tolsa will highlight this emerging market trend and identify the latest applications at the upcoming NPE 2024 exhibition (Booth S-30174) which runs May 6-10 in Orlando, Florida.

Since November 2023, Tolsa has seen a 70% increase in demand for alternatives to PTFE as an anti-dripping mechanism, according to Dr. Marta Sacristán, Functional Additives Product Manager for Tolsa.  Most of this growth is focused on the production of polycarbonate (PC) and PC/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) compounds and also in polyolefins such as PP and PE. ADINS^® Additives meet increasingly stringent regulations as well as environmental, health, and safety standards that are directly influencing the demand for alternative and safe materials.

“The ADINS^® Additives range offers a more complete improvement in fire retardancy properties because they don’t just behave as an anti-dripping mechanism but are also a more sustainable solution since much of its content comes from natural sources,” said Dr. Sacristán. “ADINS technology is highly versatile and can be fine-tuned to meet the high-performance needs of formulators and end users.”

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 firms to substitute PTFE in automotive parts and electrical devices, along with other applications.

ADINS^® products meet the growing demand for synergists, optimizing not only the consumption of conventional flame retardants, but also providing and enhancing desired properties and functionalities such as anti-dripping, char promotion, and significant reduction of smoke and heat generation, among others. ADINS^® technology allows the development of customized grades that guarantee compliance with specific client and industry requirements.

In halogen and halogen-free formulations (HFFR), the use of anti-dripping agents is needed. A commonly used drip suppressant is poly(tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) which forms a network structure through shearing-induced fibrillation to effectively reduce dripping. However, there is controversy regarding the health risks of this so-called PFAS class of “Forever Chemicals” which includes PTFE. There are health concerns surrounding the perfluoro substances that are used to make PTFE.

ADINS^® Additives series products are based on needle-like silicates modified in their surface with organic compounds to ease dispersion in polymeric matrices. This structure reinforces the consistency of the char, improving its properties and its gas barrier capabilities. This enhanced char decreases heat release and flame propagation, and also reduces smoke emissions and dripping. Key applications include wire and cable, electrical and electronics, construction (pipes, insulating foams, etc.), and transportation.

ADINS^® Additives can be used in all types of matrix polymers (thermoplastics, thermosets, and rubber). They work in combination with all kinds of flame-retardant additives (halogenated, hydroxides, intumescents, and P-based. Manufacturers of FR compounds can use the same equipment that is used with other components to manufacture these ADINS^®-based formulations.