German chemicals giant BASF (Ludwigshafen; www.basf.com) has increased its polyphthalamide (PPA) portfolio with four non halogenated flame retardant grades said to maintain mechanical and electrical properties after heat aging and long-term usage.

The materials demonstrate high relative thermal index values while being halogen free under European Standard EN 50642, BASF said.

The compounds, tailored for electronic and electric devices, include Ultramid TKR 4340G6, a PA6/T6 with said to have electrical RTI value of 160C and easy processability, and Ultramid Advanced N3U41G6, a PA9T that reportedly shows an electrical RTI of 150C at extremely low water intake that is critical for SMT (surface mount technology) processing and suitable for electronic applications.

Ultramid Advanced T2340G6 is a PA6T/66 material with very good flowability and an RTI of 150C, suitable for wire to board and board to board connectors, the supplier said. Ultramid One J, a PA66/6T acquired from Solvay, is also available from BASF.

Possible applications for the materials include connectors for power or data transmission, and miniature circuit breakers in vehicles, appliances, consumer electronics and e-mobility parts, where the compounds ensure long operational life and durability, according to BASF.