Antimony Tin Oxide (ATO) is evaluated in flame-retardant systems when an inorganic phase is needed to absorb IR/radiative heat (free-carrier loss) and help maintain a condensed-phase residue that supports barrier continuity during polymer decomposition.
Direct Answer: Antimony Tin Oxide (ATO) enables this application by absorbing IR/radiative heat via free carriers and sustaining an oxide-rich residue that supports condensed-phase barrier continuity during burning.