Tosaf Launches New Additive for HFFR
Tosaf has launched FR9185PE, a halogen-free flame retardant (HFFR) additive recently developed for crosslinked and non-crosslinked polyethylene foams. Even at low concentrations, it helps prevent the spread and acceleration of fire.
FR9185PE thus facilitates compliance with demanding fire protection standards in industries such as construction, pipe insulation, automotive and shipment packaging.
Their high corrosion resistance, dimensional stability and thermal insulation effect a steadily growing use of PE foams in a wide range of applications including acoustic and mechanical dampers as well as flooring, pipe insulation, and decorative elements.
However, their low fire resistance requires the addition of flame retardants. Tosaf has expanded its range of flame-retardant masterbatches to include appropriate solutions that do not impair the properties of the foam, but at the same time enable compliance with international fire protection standards.
As the latest representative of these HFFR masterbatches, the new FR9185PE is suitable for both non-crosslinked and crosslinked PE foams. In the event of fire, its phosphorus-based active ingredient initiates a gaseous mechanism that stops combustion by reacting with the resulting free radicals.
In order to achieve a similar performance as with halogen-based mechanisms, 10% to 15% of this product is required. On the other hand, other halogen-free systems, which either rely on the formation of a protective layer that suffocates the fire or of water vapor to cool the combustion, require 30% to 60% of addition dosage.
FR9185PE ensures effective dispersion in the foam and does not negatively affect foam nucleation or crosslinking levels, creating a consistent cell structure and a high-quality foam product with preserved mechanical properties and thermal stability.
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