Speciality chemicals company Lanxess (Cologne / Germany; www.lanxess.com) has introduced a range of halogen-free flame-retardant PBT and PA compounds for electrical and electronic applications. The new PBT compounds in the "Pocan" BFN range display better electrical behaviour and higher thermal and colour stability than products that contain halogen-based flame retardants, Lanxess said. Other new developments include a non-reinforced compound that has a high elongation at break of over 7% despite containing halogen-free flame-retardant additives, and material grades with a high glow wire resistance that meet the safety standard IEC/EN 60335-1 for household appliances.

Additions to the range of highly reinforced PAs are "Durethan" BKV 45 FN04 and Durethan BKV 60 EF and XF. Durethan BKV 45 FN04 is a halogen-free, flame-retardant and free-flowing PA 6 with glass fibre content of 45% by weight. The structural material is said to be unusually stiff and strong with high tracking and resistance to thermal aging. Alexander Radeck, applications development expert in Lanxess’ High Performance Materials business, said this grade is predestined for use in structural components, for replacing thermosets and die cast metals and for large connectors.

Both Durethan BKV 60 EF and XF contain no flame retardants and are suitable for components that suffer from high mechanical stress. Despite their high glass fibre content of 60% by weight, Lanxess said they are just as free flowing as standard PAs with significantly lower filler content. Radeck said the company is further unveiling a compound reinforced with a 60% mix of short glass fibres and glass microbeads that is intended for use in applications where warpage is a critical factor.

Another new product line is Lanxess’ Durethan TC (thermally conductive) range of PAs for thermal management. One example in the range is Durethan TP 723-620, which Radeck said combines excellent light reflection and thermal conductivity with very good flame retardancy. Applications include heat-dissipating parts such as heat sinks and LED modules.