D U R ETHAN POCAN D U R ETHAN AND POCAN F OR THE ELECTRI CAL IN D U STRY N EW HALOGE N-FRE E FLAME-RETARDANT POLYESTER S AND POLYAMI D E S
A HALOGE N-FRE E FUTUR E Our flame-retardant polyamides (PA) Durethan and polyesters (PBT and PET) Pocan have demonstrated their excellent properties in numerous electrical and electronics applications. New variants with halogen-free flame retardants have been added to our product range, allowing us to meet market requirements resulting from two new EU directives. These directives stipulate that producers in the future must take back and dispose of electrical and electronic appliances. Components made of plastics containing halogens will have to be disposed of separately beginning July 2006. Fig. 1: Housings made from Durethan DP 2801 and DP 2802/30 for washing machine front panels
D U R ETHAN HALOGE N-FRE E FLAME- R ETARDANT GRADES Durethan DP 2801 and DP 2802/30 meet the requirements of the IEC 60335-1 standard recently made more stringent for plastics used in the area of live components in unattended domestic appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and even circulation pumps (heating). Both PA66 grades achieve the stipulated GWIT value (glow-wire ignition temperature) of 775 C. Durethan DP 2802/30 contains 30 % glass fibers, while Durethan DP 2801 is not reinforced. The flame-retardant component of both polyamides is both halogenfree and free of phosphorus. At 600 Volts, the tracking resistance (CTI A) of both of these materials achieves an optimum value. The Slovenian company, Gorenje d.d., is already using both of these polyamides to produce various electronics housings for washing machine front panels. (Fig. 1) Another area of application is in small electrical appliances for the home. For example, the mixer attachment on BSH Bosch and Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH s kitchen machine is made from Durethan DP 2802/30. (Figs. 2 and 3) Figs. 2 and 3: Mixer attachment of a kitchen machine made from Durethan DP 2802/30
Durethan TP 153-001 and Durethan TP 153-003, two low-density PA 6 grades, are above all a cost-effective alternative material to PA 6 formulations containing halogens for the extensive application area of automatic cut-out switches and contactors. Durethan TP 153-001 is reinforced with a mineral (25%) and Durethan TP 153-003 with a mixture of minerals and glass fibers, to yield a particularly high level of heat resistance. The flame retardant component is based exclusively on nitrogenous compounds. Fig. 4: Safety switch made from Durethan DP 1803/10 H3.0 Durethan DP 1803/10 H3.0 is a polyamide 6 with a mineral-based flame retardant which is not only highly flame-retardant, but also exceptionally well electrically insulated. Its voltage resistance remains high even after repeated short circuits. This material achieves a GWIT of 775 C in all typical test piece thicknesses. An added advantage of this material is that it is easy to process and has good flowability despite containing a mineral additive. The Milan company BTicino, for example, makes housings for safety switches from this material. (Fig. 4) Rail Vehicles Durethan DP2-1801/30 H1.0 (PA 6): Low smoke density to DIN 5510 for applications in rail vehicles In applications that are critical from the safety angle, such as in the railvehicle or aviation sectors, it is frequently not enough to concentrate solely on the flammability of the materials employed for the purpose of providing flame protection. Comprehensive fire safety concepts for public transport (trains, aircraft, etc.) give a high priority to escape routes remaining visible for as long as possible (low smoke densities). Durethan DP2-1801/30 H1.0 (PA 6), which achieves the best possible ratings to DIN 5510, with S-4 for flammability, SR-2 for smoke development and ST-2 for dripping behavior, offers a high level of safety for numerous applications in rail vehicles (see table). Specified Classification Smoke Dripping Applications (selection) Flammability Development Behavior - interior fittings, including ceiling panels, flaps, boxes, doors - paneling and trim for seats, arm rests - tables, storage surfaces S-4 SR-2 ST-2 As with any product, use of the products mentioned in this publication in a given application must be tested (including field testing, etc.) by the user in advance to determine suitability.
Pocan DP 2004 and Pocan DP 4035 (PBT) are among the few halogen-free flame-retardant thermoplastic polyesters available on the market. They are superior to equivalent materials containing halogen with respect to key electrical properties. For example, their tracking resistance is significantly over 400 Volts, which markedly reduces the risk of short circuits and appliance faults caused by tracking. They are also very corrosion resistant. As to their mechanical properties, good impact strength, stress cracking resistance and high outer fiber strain are particularly noteworthy, with Pocan DP 4035 demonstrating a higher level of stiffness and flexural modulus of elasticity than Pocan DP 2004 due to the glass fiber reinforcement. For example, both polyesters pass the glowing wire test used to ascertain the GWFI (glow-wire flammability index) at the highest glowing wire temperature of 960 C in all the usual test piece thicknesses. Pocan DP 2004 achieves a GWIT of at least 775 C for all common wall thicknesses. This grade is used in electrical distribution boxes made by Bals Elektronik GmbH und Co. KG, Kirchhundem, Germany. (Fig. 5) P OCAN HALOGE N-FRE E FLAME-RETARDANT G RADES Fig. 5: Electrical distribution boxes made from Pocan DP 2004 You can find more in-depth, up-to-date information on our flameretardant polyesters and polyamides at www.us.lanxess.com. Please send inquiries by e-mail to info@lanxess.com.
The manner in which you use and the purpose to which you put and utilize our products, technical assistance and information (whether verbal, written or by way of production evaluations), including any suggested formulations and recommendations are beyond our control. Therefore, it is imperative that you test our products, technical assistance and information to determine to your own satisfaction whether they are suitable for your intended uses and applications. This application-specific analysis must at least include testing to determine suitability from a technical as well as health, safety, and environmental standpoint. Such testing has not necessarily been done by us. Unless we otherwise agree in writing, all products are sold strictly pursuant to the terms of our standard conditions of sale. All information and technical assistance is given without warranty or guarantee and is subject to change without notice. It is expressly understood and agreed that you assume and hereby expressly release us from all liability, in tort, contract or otherwise, incurred in connection with the use of our products, technical assistance, and information. Any statement or recommendation not contained herein is unauthorized and shall not bind us. Nothing herein shall be construed as a recommendation to use any product in conflict with patents covering any material or its use. No license is implied or in fact granted under the claims of any patent. Note: The information contained in this publication is current as of June 2006. Please contact LANXESS Corporation to determine if this publication has been revised. 111 RI DC PARK WEST DR IVE PITTSB U RG H, PA 15275 PHONE: 1-800-LANXE SS WWW.US.LANXE SS.COM