NYACOL® APE1540 and NYACOL® AB40 flame retardant additives are dispersions of nano-sized (colloidal) antimony pentoxide particles in a liquid isophthalic polyester resin. The oxide particles are nearly 1/100 the size of powdered antimony trioxide.

Both NYACOL® APE1540 and NYACOL® AB40 are non-settling antimony dispersions for use as a flame retardant synergist in halogen-containing polyester and vinyl ester resins. APE1540 is used with room temperature cure systems using cobalt-MEKP type cure systems. AB40 can be used in high temperature cure systems or with disubstituted peroxide cure systems. APE1540 or AB40 can be substituted for antimony trioxide in formulations involving any polyester or vinyl ester resin system containing bromine or chlorine. Both APE1540 and AB40 have been used in epoxy coating systems.

Using antimony trioxide in critical corrosion resistant applications always results in totally opaque laminates. Nyacol dispersions can enhance quality control. The fine particles are nearly invisible, allowing in-process and final inspection with the same degree of confidence as non-FR laminates.

The Nyacol dispersions can be added to the resin with simple stirring. They will not settle and concentrate at the bottom of the container. In filament winding operations,
APE1540 assures more reliable operation without settling in the resin trough. Total labor cost savings in mixing and fabrication can be significant.