A range of high performance polyamides (HPPAs) for structural components used in mobile healthcare electronic devices has been added to the “Kalix” range from Solvay Specialty Polymers (Alpharetta, Georgia / USA; www.solvayspecialtypolymers.com). The materials, which include the HPPA 5000 halogen-free series and bio-based HPPAs, offer high strength, stiffness and significantly improved chemical resistance compared with traditional PC or PC/ABS materials typically used for covers and housings in medical healthcare devices, the company said.

“Kalix” 5950 HFFR (halogen-free, flame-retardant) has received an Underwriters Laboratories (www.ul.com) 94 flammability rating of V0 for electrical/electronics applications for thicknesses of 0.4 mm and above and 5VA at thicknesses of 1.5 mm and above, the company said, and the 50% glass fibre-reinforced grade provides greater mechanical properties than competing HFFR PAs, providing an alternative to metals. The bio-based HPPAs include the 3000 series amorphous PPA, and the 2000 family of bio-sourced PPA grades that provide high impact resistance.