Solvay Specialty Polymers (Alpharetta, Georgia / USA; www.solvayspecialtypolymers.com) has introduced an enhanced version of its “Lavanta” high-performance polyester, developed for the production of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for televisions and backlight unit (BLU) applications. The second-generation product – "5115 WH 224" – provides significantly improved processability while maintaining high heat and light stability, without sacrificing the initial whiteness and whiteness retention of the material and avoiding premature discolouring in applications such as reflector cups, the company said.

Glenn Cupta, global business development manager for electrical/electronics at Solvay Specialty Polymers, said: “This second-generation material is an important achievement because it exceeds the processing requirements of the LED industry, enabling moulders to maximise productivity and achieve greater efficiencies.” Lavanta was originally launched in late 2012 – see Plasteurope.com of 17.10.2012.

The company said that there is a trend among television manufacturers to use fewer LEDs to reduce cost, achieved through sending higher current through the LED and resulting in higher junction temperatures and greater brightness. Lavanta 5115 WH 224 is a 15% glass fibre-reinforced polycyclohexylene terephthalate (PCT) compound developed specifically for LED electronic packaging applications that utilise surface mount technology. The injection moulding grade can be moulded at a lower temperature (125°C/257°F) than competitive PCTs while maintaining 100% of its maximum crystallinity, the company said.