Thermally Conducting, Halogen-free PA6

Lati has recently developed a special version of thermally conductive compounds based on PA6, the LATICONTHER 62 CEG/500-V0HF1 that combines thermal conductivity with excellent performance in terms of self-extinction. With its wide fire resistance UL certification (V0 at 1.5 mm, GWFI 960°C, and 775°C GWFI at 1 mm), this grade also stands out for the halogen-free formulation, thus making this solution even more attractive.

Projects undertaken with this grade include the electronics box developed by SAPLAST, which from the beginning based the design of this product on thermally conductive compounds. The case consists of two sturdy shells intended to hold electronic devices, among which also power transistors. In the circuit design, these devices were placed along one side of the lid, and, once in operation, they all together generate a fair amount of heat that has to be removed to ensure proper operation and longevity of the circuit. Cooling is achieved in this case right through the support wall, which is provided with a large finning ensuring proper heat exchange surface.

The selected material is LATICONTHER 62 CEG/500-V0HF1, and the thermal conductivity of the compound proved widely sufficient to meet the project needs. The device was successfully subjected to a long testing process, especially focused on the thermal behavior of the case: the used LATICONTHER, featuring a thermal conductivity value nearly ten times that of conventional reinforced polymers, largely passed the test.

Lati’s family of thermally conductive compounds now offers a wide range of electrically conductive or insulating options, able to transfer heat next as efficiently as metals, while maintaining typical advantages of injection molding: ease of use, adaptability to project requirements, and overall process cost-efficiency resulting in obvious commercial advantages of the finished product. Source: Specialchem

EFRA Newsletter- N°1

The 1st EFRA newsletter is now available. Download pdf  format

Fire retardants in plastics 2012-conference

June 14-15, 2012, Grand Hyatt Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA

Now you can find the full  conference programme here

Innovative FR cables and connectors for electric vehicles

Pinfa:   Hitachi Cable has developed what it says are the smallest compact connectors available for the demanding requirements of high power wiring in hybrid and electric vehicles, to be combined with the company’s special heat resistant cables (rated ISO6722 class D at 150°C and class F at 200°C). The former uses “halogen and heavy metal free” materials based on an ethylenic copolymer with metal hydroxide flame retardants to ensure self-extinguishing and low smoke for the insulation and sheath. The latter is fluorine resin cable Fluonlex ®. The connectors use a specific spring mechanism whereby high spring force is applied after inserting the connectors, and a single spring for multiple terminals, thus minimising size and improving vibration resistance.        News release

Preparation of flame-retarding poly(propylene carbonate)

Green chemistry:  A preparative method for a flame-retarding poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) was demonstrated by employing diphenylphosphinic acid (Ph2P(O)(OH)), phenylphosphonic acid (PhP(O)(OH)2), or phosphoric acid (P(O)(OH)3) as a chain transfer agent in the immortal CO2/propylene oxide copolymerization catalyzed by a highly active catalyst, a cobalt(III) complex of a Salen-type ligand tethered by four quarternary ammonium salts (1). High turnover frequencies of 10000–20000 h−1 (700–1300 g-polymer per g-cat·h) were maintained even in the presence of a large amount of the protic chain transfer agent ([–OH]/[1], 1600–200). Directly after the copolymerization using PhP(O)(OH)2 as a chain transfer agent, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was formed by adding a stoichiometric amount of toluene-2,4-diisocynate. The TPU also was not inflammable. Cone calorimeter studies showed that PPC itself and TPU prepared using PPC-diol emitted significantly less smoke while burning than common plastics, such as polystyrene.

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