Cutting Edge Flame Retardants for Thin Parts

Miniaturization is the creation of ever-smaller scales for mechanical, optical, and electronic products and devices. Miniaturization is a continuing trend in the production of such devices. Items which take up less space are more desired than items which are bigger and bulkier because they are easier to carry, easier to store, and much more convenient to use. In electronics, miniaturization was witnessed by an empirical observation called Moore's Law that predicted that the number of transistors on an integrated circuit for minimum component cost doubles every 18 months. Polymer producers have followed this demand by developing resins with improved flow ability. However, in applications for electric parts where thin and small molded articles are often used, it can be a challenge to provide thin molded articles with flame retardancy sufficient to pass the Underwriters Labatories (UL) 94 V-0 requirements. More than 10 years ago UL 94 V-0 at a thickness of 1.6 mm was the standard, whereas later V-0 at 0.8 mm was required for most applications. Recently, for many applications V-0 at 0.4 mm is required. In glass fibre reinforced polyamides Exolit OP outperforms other flame retardants and facilitates UL 94 V-0 down to 0.4 mm combined with excellent mechanical properties and a CTI of 600 Volts. Traditional solutions like red phosphorus struggle with these cutting edge demands. Due to its excellent thermal stability, Exolit OP can be used in polyamide 6 and 66 as well as in high temperature polyamides.