ADINS Flame 32: how to improve flame-retardant performance without sacrificing mechanical properties

Tolsa expands its portfolio of functional additives with the launch of ADINS Flame 32, a new solution designed to help formulators enhance the fire performance of a wide range of polymer systems without compromising mechanical properties or formulation flexibility.

In a context where regulatory and safety requirements are becoming increasingly stringent, manufacturers need solutions that improve the flame-retardant performance of their materials without affecting key aspects such as elongation at break, processability, or final mechanical performance. ADINS Flame 32 has been specifically developed to address this challenge.

A smart approach to enhancing flame retardancy

Unlike conventional flame-retardant additives, ADINS Flame 32 acts as a synergistic enhancer that improves the efficiency of existing flame-retardant systems, both halogenated and non-halogenated.

Its technology helps optimize overall fire performance through multiple mechanisms of action. Key benefits include reduced heat release, lower smoke generation, improved anti-dripping behavior, and enhanced fire resistance of the formulation.

Thanks to this synergistic effect, formulators can achieve higher levels of fire protection without sacrificing other essential material properties.

Lower smoke generation and improved fire resistance

One of the most notable features of ADINS Flame 32 is its ability to promote the formation of a protective char layer during combustion. This effect increases fire resistance and significantly reduces Total Smoke Production (TSP), a particularly important factor in applications where human safety is a priority.

In addition, the additive helps reduce heat release and improves anti-dripping performance, lowering the risk of flame spread and contributing to the development of safer and more efficient formulations.

Preservation of mechanical properties

One of the common challenges in the development of flame-retardant materials is maintaining the balance between safety and mechanical performance. In many cases, increasing fire protection can lead to a loss of flexibility or material strength.

ADINS Flame 32 has been designed to avoid this trade-off. Its incorporation enables improved flame-retardant performance while maintaining key mechanical properties, including elongation at break, even at high loading levels.

This feature gives formulators greater freedom when designing materials tailored to the specific requirements of each application.

An alternative to antimony trioxide

Another advantage of ADINS Flame 32 is its ability to facilitate the elimination of antimony trioxide (ATO) from certain formulations.

The additive makes it possible to maintain, and in some cases even improve, the Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI), while also helping reduce smoke emissions and preserve the mechanical properties of the system. This makes it a particularly attractive alternative for manufacturers seeking more advanced formulations aligned with evolving market demands.

A solution for the industry’s new challenges

According to Marta Sacristán, Technical Manager Functional Additives at Tolsa, “ADINS Flame 32 has been designed to support formulators looking for smarter ways to improve fire performance while maintaining formulation balance and flexibility. Its combination of smoke suppression, char promotion, and preservation of mechanical properties makes it a highly attractive solution for increasingly demanding regulatory and performance requirements.”

With this launch, Tolsa continues to strengthen its commitment to innovation and the development of functional additives that enable the industry to manufacture safer, more efficient, and more sustainable polymer materials.