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.
