Ionisos’ e-beam or gamma rays post-treatment
technology, when combined with SABIC Innovative Plastics’ LNP Starflam* speciality
compounds, provides full UL yellow card coverage for various electrical device and
connector applications.
By applying this technology on moulded applications utilising one of SABIC’s four recently launched Starflam* grades, Starflam* RF0067K, IONISOS can optimise the
material without manipulation of the parts, directly in their packaging, by a crosslinking post-treatment. The Starflam* grade is unique in the fact that it has a
UL94 yellow card covering the entire range and dose of crosslinking, between 0kGy and 105kGy, and for the two types of radiations, e-beam and gamma.
SABIC Innovative Plastics announced their new LNP Starflam* speciality compounds
last year, developed to provide electrical device and connector manufacturers with a
lower-cost alternative to traditional materials like thermosets or special high heat
polymers, while delivering excellent short-term heat performance. These polyamide
(PA)-based materials can reduce system costs by up to 20% vs. thermosets via increased production yields and decreased moulding cycle times.
The new Xtreme LNP Starflam compounds, including halogen-free flame retardant
(FR) grades, are ideal for demanding electrical applications such as contactors and
circuit protection equipment. This technology can offer a solution for the high
temperatures encountered in the lead-free soldering processes that the electrical and
electronics industry is forced to use under the RoHS directive.
In high heat environments like arch quenching or lead-free soldering, producers are
usually forced to use thermosets with their higher processing (moulding) costs or more
expensive high heat materials. Xtreme LNP Starflam PAs can be an excellent lower
cost alternative in these kinds of applications. The Xtreme LNP Starflam compounds
are based on a technology that forms chemical bonds between the PA
macromolecules (crosslinking) under e-beam or gamma radiation. After crosslinking
the material is able to withstand exposure to temperatures decades higher than
standard PA. Where a standard PA would melt or deform, Xtreme LNP Starflam
maintains its rigidity and mechanical integrity.
Four new LNP Xtreme Starflam compounds were launched including two grades
featuring non-brominated, non-chlorinated flame retardants for compliance with such
environmental regulations as the EU’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
(WEEE) and Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directives, and other eco
labels. The Xtreme LNP Starflam speciality compounds are available globally.