A 25% glass fibre-reinforced PA 6 compound that is claimed to provide injection moulders with an alternative to halogenated flame retardant products has been introduced by Chem Polymer (Oldbury / UK; www.chempolymer.com), part of Teknor Apex (Pawtucket, Rhode Island / USA; www.teknorapex.com). “Chemlon” 225 GVNH has a UL 94 flammability listing of V0 at thicknesses as low as 0.8 mm. Its comparative tracking index (CTI) of 600 V is claimed to be more than double that of a comparable compound with a halogenated (typically brominated) flame retardant formulation, providing improved electrical performance in automotive, residential, and appliance applications such as housings with snap-fit assembly, circuit breakers, charger covers, and safety switches. The new compound is also 14% less dense than brominated products, providing lighter parts.

Chem Polymer technical manager Richard Barnes said that because non-halogenated flame retardant systems have been more difficult to incorporate into glass-filled compounds than brominated alternatives, relatively few non-halogenated polyamides have previously been available, particularly in North America. The new Chemlon compound will provide a higher-performance alternative for moulders, he added.