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| Picture: TOSAF |
As an alternative to chlorine-based or bromine-based flame retardants, Tosaf’s portfolio now also includes highly active, halogen-free (HFFR) grades, which enable more sustainable solutions to fulfil customer requirements and legal specifications. FR8719PP is specifically designed to meet the flame retardant requirements of polypropylene in injection moulding and extrusion applications.
Without compromising on efficiency and even at very low concentrations, FR8719PP helps to prevent the spread of fire and meet stringent fire safety criteria in applications such as construction, automotive and shipping packaging without compromising the properties of the material. PP pipes, for example, retain their high impact strength, dimensional stability and chemical resistance without restriction after switching to halogen-free flame retardants. In contrast to many halogen-based flame retardants, FR8719 shows no long-term migration of the active ingredients, and corresponding PP products offer significantly higher UV resistance.
The very good dispersion of FR8719PP in injection-moulded and extruded PP-based products is one reason for the very high efficiency of this HF flame retardant. This not only enables a relatively low dosage and therefore the mechanical properties to be largely retained, but also uniform flame retardancy across the entire product. In addition, the low potential for dye build-up (DBU) offers a considerable processing advantage over other halogen-free solutions available on the market.
Broad portfolio of halogen-free flame retardants
The choice of flame retardant depends largely on which UL94 classification is to be achieved. For example, to fulfil the requirements of class V-2, flame retardants in low concentrations are sufficient to eliminate the free radicals formed by the heat of combustion and thus suppress the fire. Only in higher concentrations do they also prevent burning droplets, as required by the UL94 V-0 classification.
Tosaf has developed an extensive portfolio of HFFR grades that differ from each other in their flame retardant systems and fulfil individual priorities to achieve the optimum balance between effect and concentration. Their dosage is between 3 % and 10 % and depends on the desired classification, the type and melt flow index (MFI) of the PP, the thickness of the part and the simultaneous presence of other additives. In contrast, intumescent halogen-free flame retardants require a dose of over 20 % to achieve similar performance.
In addition to developing new HFFR grades that do not harm health or the environment, Tosaf also fulfils the continuing need for halogen-based products. They combine high thermal stability with high performance to fulfil stringent fire standards without compromising the properties of the product. For example, the brominated flame retardant FR6413PE is suitable for all types of PP pipes, while chlorinated cost-effective flame retardants such as FR0049 can be used for both PE and PP.
State-of-the-art production plant for flame retardants
To meet the growing demand for flame retardants, Tosaf has invested in a state-of-the-art production facility. A high-tech laboratory equipped with a cone calorimeter for complete combustion analysis, among other things, is available for testing according to a variety of fire standards. In addition, the company has set up pilot lines that simulate real production conditions and make it possible to taylor flame retardant additives for specific applications.
