BASF is further extending its polyphthalamide (PPA) portfolio: At Chinaplas 2019, Guangzhou, the new PPA Ultramid® Advanced T2000 will be introduced to the market. The compound group based on PA 6T/66 combines excellent mechanical with dielectric strength at high temperatures - a combination which is particularly needed for connectors in the electrical and electronics (E&E) industry. Due to its partially aromatic chemical structure, Ultramid® Advanced T2000 is the ideal solution for parts that require high, constant stiffness and strength over a broad temperature range in combination with resistance to heat and humidity as well as optional flame-retardant (FR) properties. Such applications can be found in the E&E connector industry where high resistivity is required; and in the transportation industry where materials must remain strong in whatever temperatures or environments.
“In the E&E industry, the trend for further miniaturization drives the development of the next generation of high-performance parts, especially in the connector market”, says Abdullah Shaikh, head of the global PPA team. “The challenges for these parts so far made of standard materials now lie in combining dielectric with mechanical strength, and this in very demanding conditions and on a performance level that standard plastics have not been able to reach so far. With Ultramid® Advanced T2000 we offer customers another PPA to choose the right plastic for the right part, especially to enable the latest E&E devices supported by our state-of-the-art FR competency.”
Broad application range in E&E and automotive industries
Thanks to its excellent mechanical and dielectric performance across a broad temperature range Ultramid® Advanced T2000 is the material of choice for a lot of new applications in the E&E and automotive industry: from delicate flame-retardant connectors via structural laptop parts to switches and miniature circuit breakers. With its high flowability in injection molding, Ultramid® Advanced T2000 enables thin-wall design and good surface quality. The new BASF PPA also enhances part integrity: structures resist melting when exposed to transient extreme heat and are resistant to external mechanical shock.
Furthermore, the glass-fiber reinforced grades offer the optimal combination of easy processing with high strength even at temperatures above the glass transition point. This makes them a versatile candidate for metal replacement of automotive parts such as water outlet valves, water pumps, fuel system components as well as actuators, transmission sensors and clutch parts – in other words, anywhere where superior strength, stiffness and resistivity over the complete range of application temperatures, both dry and in conditioned state are required. Ultramid® Advanced T2000 exhibits good resistance to all common automotive media such as coolants, fuels, oils and lubricants as well as to cleaners and road salts.
The new PPA shows improved impact strength on par with standard PA66 and a lower water uptake than standard aliphatic polyamides resulting in high dimensional stability. Its high melting point (310°C) and heat deflection temperatures of >280°C (HDT-A) make it the ideal material for lead-free soldering without part deformation. Ultramid® Advanced T2000 can be efficiently processed: Its flowability is significantly higher than that of other high-temperature polyamides without compromising flexibility or toughness. Several post-processing methods like welding with other Ultramid® Advanced T2000 grades, polyamides or PPAs in general, as well as laser marking are possible.
Compound portfolio tailored for specific E&E requirements
For broad application possibilities, BASF developed a special range of flame-retardant grades reinforced with 30% to 40% glass fibers and with UL 94 V-0 rating available for all colors. In addition, there are several grades with reinforcement levels ranging from 30% to 50% glass fibers and improved impact resistance, available both as uncolored and laser-markable black. Depending on the requirements of individual applications, different heat stabilizers are available, too.
