BASF is now expanding its polyphthalamide (PPA) portfolio by a variety of flame retardant grades that combine high thermal stability with excellent electrical insulation and low water uptake. They are characterized by high electrical RTI values (RTI=relative thermal index) above 140°C while being halogen-free according to EN 50642, thus preventing corrosion and failure of electrical parts when used under moist conditions. The non-halogenated PPAs based on PA9T, PA66/6T, PA6T/66 and PA6T/6 also allow for better colorability and long color stability. With these new flame retardant grades, BASF offers a tailored E&E portfolio which opens new possibilities for applications like connectors for power or data transmission in vehicles, appliances and consumer electronics as well as for e-mobility parts, miniature circuit breakers, switch gear and sensors.
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Flame-retardant PPAs for stable electronic components without corrosion |
The UL cards for the four new PPA grades show excellent electrical RTI values and offer diverse performance levels for different part requirements. “With our new optimized grades we have developed our broad PPA FR portfolio into a one-stop-shop for all kinds of our customers’ needs when it comes to E&E materials”, says Abdullah Shaikh, head of the global PPA team. “We offer PPAs with stable thermal and mechanical performance for classic E&E components, also with non-halogenated flame retardants, up to grades with RTIs that are better than the market standard. This is our answer to new trends like halide-free heat stabilizers to avoid contact corrosion in sensitive components exposed to heat and moisture. Thus, our materials make sure that E&E devices do not break down and operate properly over a long time.”
Now globally available: Ultramid® One J with highest electrical RTI value
The product range includes the easily processable Ultramid® One J 60X1 V30, a PA66/6T acquired from Solvay and now available globally to customers from BASF. Together with the PPA pioneer Ultramid® TKR 4340G6 (PA6T/6), it not only offers the highest electrical RTI value of 160°C but also very easy processability. The PA9T Ultramid® Advanced N3U41G6 shows an electrical RTI of 150°C at extremely low water uptake, which is crucial for SMT (surface mount technology) processing. Its outstanding chemical resistance combined with the most stable mechanical performance of all PPAs at elevated temperatures make it especially suitable for electronic applications. Ultramid® Advanced T2340G6 is a PA6T/66 with very good flowability with an electrical RTI of 150°C and ideally suited for e.g. wire-to-board and board-to-board connectors.
All the flame retardant materials in the PPA portfolio keep their high mechanical and dielectric strength at elevated temperatures. They show very good dimensional stability due to low and slow water uptake as well as a low coefficient of thermal expansion. They allow for V-0 rating at thicknesses down to < 0.4 mm and are in agreement with the cable management standard CMS EN 50654 (2018-05). Thus E&E parts benefit from the flame retardant PPA grades by maintaining their mechanical and electrical properties after heat aging and long-term usage.
About Ultramid® Advanced
BASF’s polyphthalamide portfolio is based on the six polymers Ultramid® Advanced N (PA9T), Ultramid® Advanced T1000 (PA6T/6I), Ultramid® Advanced T2000 (PA6T/66), Ultramid® T KR (PA6T/6), Ultramid® One J (PA66/6T) and Ultramid® D3 (PA/PPA). They open the door to the next generation of lightweight, high-performance plastic components in many different sectors including the automotive industry, electronics and electric devices, mechanical engineering and consumer goods. The PPA portfolio is available globally and complemented by BASF’s Ultrasim® simulation tool and extensive experience in application development. It includes more than 50 compounded grades for injection molding and extrusion, products with or without flame retardants. The compounds are available in different colors, from colorless to laser-markable black, with short-glass, long-glass or mineral fiber reinforcement, and with various heat stabilizers.
