German chemical and plastics producer Lanxess (Cologne; www.lanxess.com) has extended its range of polyamides for components applied in the thermal management of LEDs and electrical devices with the introduction of “Durethan” TP 723-620. With high mineral reinforcement, the PA 6 offers improved thermal conductivity combined with high light reflection and flame retardance. It also has high tracking resistance and low density, supporting the development of cost-efficient, lightweight components.

Because of the shape of the filler particles, the thermal conductivity of the new compound is directionally dependent. It is about 10 times higher than that of the company’s standard PA 6, “Durethan” BKV 30 H2.0, which is reinforced with 30% glass fibre, Lanxess said.

Thomas Malek, Lanxess' new business development manager for lighting technology, said: “We have calculation tools with which we can determine the local orientation of the particles in an injection-moulded component. This information is critical for incorporating the directional dependency of the thermal conductivity, and then making the most realistic predictions possible.”

Potential applications for the material include heat sinks, where it can provide a substitute for die-cast aluminium, LED carriers and electronic devices that require thermally conductive housings, and covers due to their high power output.