Researchers at BASF AG (HQ: D-67056 Ludwigshafen) have developed a new line of halogen-free flame retardant grades of polyamides. As BASF points out, flame-resistant polyamides have been on the market for many years. Until now, most were halogenated organic compounds, which are difficult to process, have a low creep resistance and in case of fire are corrosive and generate a large quantity of smoke. The presence of halogen presents a problem in recycling.

The new fibreglass-reinforced halogen-free flame resistant "Ultramid" types KR 4450 and 4455 have advantages over the group's existing A3X grades to which red phosphorous has been added, making them hard to dye in light colours. Along with their good colouring properties, the new grades have a very high creep resistance. This renders them well suited for use by the electrical industry.

READER SERVICE: Press conference speech (including photos) "With built-in fire extinguisher: A new generation of flame-retardant Ultramid grades" by Dr. Heiner Görrisson of BASF Ultraplastics businss unit: PIE-No. 38727.