For formulators of plastisol and plasticized PVC, achieving optimal performance while maintaining cost efficiency is a continuous challenge. Whether you’re improving flow characteristics, reducing static charge, or optimising viscosity, Add Sperse delivers innovative solutions tailored to your needs.

 

What is Add Sperse?

Add Sperse is a range of high-performance additives designed to enhance the processing and performance of PVC plastisols. By carefully engineering dispersants, viscosity depressants, and anti-static agents, Add Sperse enables greater formulation flexibility while improving end-product properties.

These additives allow formulators to:

• Reduce plastisol viscosity, enabling improved flow and process efficiency.
• Enhance filler and pigment dispersion, leading to smoother and more uniform finishes.
• Control low-shear viscosity, reducing flow issues in applications such as coating and screen printing.
• Reduce static charge accumulation, improving safety and product usability.

 

Why Choose Add Sperse?

1. Viscosity Reduction & Processing Efficiency

Plastisol viscosity can limit processing flexibility and increase costs due to higher plasticizer content. Add Sperse viscosity depressants allow formulators to:

• Reduce plasticizer content while maintaining optimal processability.
• Increase filler loadings, reducing material costs without compromising performance.
• Achieve excellent flow properties, improving spread coating, screen printing, and rotational moulding.

2. Static Charge Reduction for Safer Applications

Plasticized PVC is a poor electrical conductor, making static accumulation a concern in applications such as conveyor belts and flooring. Add Sperse antistatic agents:

• Lower surface and volume resistivity, dissipating static charge.
• Improve product safety, particularly in automotive and high-spec flooring applications.

3. Improved Low-Shear Viscosity for Coatings

Flow consistency is crucial for achieving uniform coating thickness and print definition. Add Sperse thixotropes:

• Increase viscosity at low shear, reducing unwanted flow.
• Prevent sagging in screen printing, spread coating, and textile applications.
• Maintain excellent flow properties under high shear conditions.

 

Which Add Sperse Product is Right for You?

Each Add Sperse grade is tailored for specific applications:

Add Sperse VR 123

• High-efficiency viscosity depressant for PVC plastisol.
• Low volatility ensures minimal emissions, ideal for automotive and flooring.
• Excellent compatibility, maintaining transparency with careful formulation.
• Dosage: 1-3 phr (higher for antistatic use).

Add Sperse VR 167

• General-purpose viscosity reduction and antistatic performance.
• Excellent dispersant, particularly for filled formulations.
• Suitable for spread-coating, screen-printing, and rotational moulding.
• Dosage: 1-3 phr.

Add Sperse VR 178

• Balanced viscosity depressant and antistatic performance.
• Ideal for wide-ranging PVC plastisol formulations.
• Low volatility for stable long-term performance.
• Dosage: 1-4 phr. 

Add Sperse VR 200

• High compatibility with medium plasticizer and high filler formulations.
• Low volatility, ensuring low emissions in flooring and automotive.
• Does not impact heat and light stability, unlike many alternatives.
• Dosage: 1-4 phr.

Add Sperse HV 302

• Increases low-shear viscosity while maintaining good high-shear flow.
• Prevents sagging and flow inconsistencies in textile and industrial coatings.
• Excellent anti-settling properties, ensuring uniform dispersion.
• Dosage: 1-3 phr.

 

Applications of Add Sperse

The versatility of Add Sperse makes it ideal for a variety of plastisol-based applications, including:

• High-Spec Flooring – Ensuring durability, anti-static properties, and consistent coating.
• Automotive Components – Reducing emissions and improving formulation stability.
• Screen Printing – Enhancing viscosity control for high-definition prints.
• Spread Coating & Rotational Moulding – Achieving smooth, uniform coatings with optimal flow.
• Textile Coatings – Preventing sagging and improving formulation stability.

 

Partner with HARKE Addi-Tec for Tailored PVC Solutions

HARKE Addi-Tec brings industry-leading expertise in PVC plastisol additives. With the Add Sperse range, formulators can optimise processing, reduce costs, and enhance product performance.

Looking to improve your plastisol formulations? Contact the HARKE Addi-Tec team today to discuss the best Add Sperse solution for your applications.

 

 

Fire safety remains a critical concern for manufacturers across industries, particularly in sectors such as construction, transportation, and electronics, where stringent regulations govern flame retardant performance. 

HARKE Addi-Tec is proud to introduce ADINS® Flame Retardant technology, an innovative and proprietary solution from Tolsa, designed to enhance the fire resistance of polymers and meet the highest international safety standards.

 

What is ADINS® Flame Retardant Technology?

ADINS® is a patented technology based on natural silicates that are surface-modified to provide new functionalities and reinforce properties in both organic and inorganic materials. Specifically developed for use in flame retardant systems, ADINS® additives act as synergists, enhancing the performance of Halogen and Halogen-Free Flame Retardants.

ADINS® is suitable for a range of polymer systems, including thermoplastics and thermosets, as well as other applications such as intumescent paints. This versatility makes it an ideal choice for manufacturers looking to improve fire safety while maintaining material performance.

 

How Does ADINS® Work?

The secret to ADINS® technology lies in the needle-like morphological structure of its natural silicate base. When incorporated into a flame retardant system, this structure forms a robust 3D reinforcing network. During combustion, ADINS® creates a consistent char layer with enhanced mechanical and gas barrier properties, which brings several fire safety benefits:

• Thermal Stabilisation: Stabilises the polymer under high temperatures.
• Heat Barrier Formation: Creates a barrier that protects the polymer from burning.
• Reduced Volatile Emissions: Limits the release of organic flammable volatile compounds.
• Oxygen Restriction: Minimises oxygen penetration into the polymer decomposition zone.
• Anti-Dripping Effect: Reduces polymer dripping during burning.
• Flame Propagation Reduction: Slows the spread of flames.
• Smoke Suppression: Minimises smoke production, improving visibility and reducing toxic exposure during a fire.
• Heat Release Reduction: Decreases the amount of heat generated during combustion.

This unique combination of effects drastically improves the behaviour of plastic components under fire conditions, helping manufacturers comply with stringent safety standards, including the European Construction Products Regulation (CPR) and the Railway EN45545 standard.

 

Introducing the ADINS® Product Range

Tolsa’s ADINS® product range offers a variety of tailored solutions for different applications. Here are the key grades:

ADINS® Clay

ADINS® Clay is a series of magnesium silicates that are surface-modified with organic compounds to ensure excellent dispersion in polymeric matrices. Its needle-like structure reinforces the consistency of the char, improving mechanical and gas barrier properties.

• Enhances char consistency, reducing heat release and flame propagation.
• Decreases smoke emissions and prevents dripping.
• Proven effectiveness in standard fire behavior tests (UL-94, LOI, Cone Calorimeter).

Applications:

• Wire & Cable
• Electricity & Electronics
• Construction (pipes, insulating foams, etc.)
• Transport

ADINS® Fireproof

ADINS® Fireproof is a ceramifying additive based on natural silicates activated with phosphate compounds. During combustion, it forms a low-melting-point glass that reinforces the char structure.

• Creates a stable ceramic char that reduces fire propagation and dripping.
• Enhances the performance of Halogen and Halogen-Free Flame Retardant systems.
• Improves material integrity, heat resistance, and smoke suppression.

Applications:

• Ceramificable Wire & Cable
• Special Structural Parts
• Intumescent Paint & Coating

ADINS® Clay G1

ADINS® Clay G1 shares similar characteristics to ADINS® Fireproof, but with additional optimisation for applications requiring enhanced ceramic char formation. It is based on modified silicate with low melting point glass.

• Boosts flame retardant efficiency with enhanced char stabilization.
• Minimizes heat release and smoke production.
• Ensures compliance with stringent fire safety standards.

Applications:

• Ceramificable Wire & Cable
• Special Structural Parts
• Intumescent Paint & Coating

 

Our Comprehensive Flame Retardant Portfolio

In addition to ADINS® technology, HARKE Addi-Tec supplies a broad range of flame retardants for manufacturers in the UK and Ireland. Our portfolio includes:

• Chlorinated Paraffin
• Ammonium Polyphosphate
• Melamine Cyanurate
• Melamine Phosphate
• Melamine Polyphosphate

These flame retardants complement ADINS® additives, offering tailored solutions for various materials and applications.

 

Why Choose ADINS® Technology?

ADINS® Flame Retardant technology combines innovative science with practical performance, enabling manufacturers to meet even the most demanding safety standards. Its ability to act as a synergist with existing flame retardant systems means it can boost performance without compromising material integrity. Whether you’re developing thermoplastics, thermosets, or specialised coatings like intumescent paints, ADINS® offers a proven path to improved fire safety.

Next Steps

Contact the HARKE Addi-Tec team today to learn more about how ADINS® technology can help you enhance your flame retardant systems, or to talk to us about our range of flame retardants. Together, we can elevate your materials to meet the highest safety standards.