Materials | electrical & electronic
Rising to the E&E challenge
Higher packing densities, increasingly compact designs – especially in the portable device arena - and growing demand for more environmentally acceptable fl ame retardant solutions are placing tough demands on polymer suppliers to the electrical and electronics industry. “A major requirement for complex E&E applications is a higher degree of intrinsic heat stabilisation to support product miniaturisation and multi-functionali- ty,” says Dr James Mitchell, global marketing director at Solvay Engineering Plastics. “Special additives can also be required in these high temperature applications, such as fl ame retardants or special heat stabilisation systems. These systems can cause problems with processing and in particular issues related to tool corrosion due to corrosive gases with non-halogenated fl ame retarded systems.” Overcoming these corrosion issues, which can
seriously shorten tool lifetimes, was a key driver in the development of Solvay’s TechnylOne family of high performance fl ame retardant PA6,6 grades. TechnylOne J 60X1 V30, for instance, is a 30% glass reinforced UL94 V0 non-halogenated grade offering very low corrosion, suitability for thin wall moulding, and claimed best in class UL RTI results (150°C). It is being pitched at applications in MCCBs and contactor housings. Solvay has also developed two new TechnylAlloy
www.compoundingworld.com
Ongoing product miniaturisation is driving demand for E&E polymers that combine higher performance with simplifi ed processing and
improved environmental credentials, writes Chris Smith
grades, both alloys of PA6,6 and PET incorporating red phosphorous fl ame retardant. The AT20V25 and AT20V35 grades incorporate 25 and 35% glass reinforcement respectively and meet UL94 V-0 requirements. They are said to combine the good electrical performance of PA6,6 with the low moisture uptake and surface fi nish of PET. The PET also functions in a synergistic fashion to allow a lower fl ame retardant level to be used, the company claims. The grades are fi nding applications in circuit breakers and relay housings. Reduced tool deposits and corrosion was also a key
factor in BASF’s development of its Ultramid A3U42G6 non-halogenated fl ame retarded polyamide. The 30% glass reinforced PA6,6/6 grade provides UL 94 V-0 performance down to 0.4mm and has been formulated to
June 2015 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 63
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