8 May 2003
Rhodia introduces new range of halogen and red phosphorous-free flame retardant products that meet both current and emerging strict regulations
Lyon, France, May 2003 – Rhodia Engineering Plastics today introduced an innovative range of flame retardant polyamide resins without halogen or red phosphorous additives. These new products provide environmentally improved solutions for Electrical & Electronic applications meeting recently endorsed Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (ROHS) European Community Directives.
Newly launched to lead this product segment, Technyl Star™ S 60G1 V30, represents a market breakthrough due to its unique combination of high mechanical performance, flame retardant properties and high-flow polymer base. This high-flow, 30% glass filled halogen and red phosphorus-free flame retardant grade, rated ULV0, is designed to fit a wide spectrum of highly demanding electrical applications, particularly those in Appliances and Industrial Control segments, such as control switchgear, rotary switches and timers.
Due to its unique formulation, Technyl Star™ S 60G1 V30 passes the UL94 VO test at 0.8 mm and Glow Wire 960°C at 0.8mm, satisfying requirements for miniaturized components. It also fulfils Glow Wire Ignition Temperature 775°C, according to IEC 60-335, meeting the needs of Appliance industry.
It furthermore provides excellent mechanical properties, particularly with respect to impact, strength and stiffness. Additionally it can be made in all colours, dark and light and is laser markable.
The use of Technyl Star™ technology with its high-flow characteristics, allows milder processing conditions, a particular advantage with respect to flame retardant compounds. Technyl Star™ ’s ability to process at lower temperatures ensures a better conservation of flame retardant properties and its high fluidity enables the easy moulding of small intricate parts, as well as delivering best-in-class surface finish. These major product benefits are complemented by above average molding productivity.
Overall Technyl Star™ S 60G1 V30 shows flammability results as good as brominated products and mechanical performance in line with phosphorous added grades.
Supporting this new compound, Rhodia Engineering Plastics has developed a complete halogen and red phosphorus-free product range, based either on Technyl® or Technyl Star™ polymers, which responds positively to the most stringent technical demands and economic requirements of customers in the E&E market.
This product range includes Technyl® B50H1, a PA66/6, UL94 V0 rated unfilled grade. Specifically designed to meet demanding short cycle times and miniaturization needs of connectors, it provides both high mechanical performance and an excellent surface finish.
To satisfy the specific performance criteria of Power Distribution and Industrial Control applications, Rhodia has developed two key grades. For mini-circuit breakers Technyl® C 52G3 MZ25 is a mineral filled PA6 which passes the Glow Wire 960°C test at 0.8mm to meet the challenging flammability needs and the required combination of strength, stiffness, color stability and moldability of these components.
For applications that demand low fume toxicity and low smoke generation, combined with arcing resistance, such as those found in public transport and tunnels, Rhodia offers Technyl Star™ S 52 X1 MV50. A UL94 V2 rated mineral and glass filled grade, Technyl Star™ S 52 X1 MV50 achieves its flame retardancy through the intrinsic water release characteristic of mineral hydroxides. Moreover, although the grade has a high glass and mineral loading, the unique flow properties of Technyl Star™ ensure excellent moldability and surface appearance.
With these latest additions to its product range, Rhodia Engineering Plastics offers material solutions that meet current and emerging regulations to improve the environmental performance of polymers, while maintaining necessary processing and end-use application performance.
Reader enquiries
Rhodia Engineering Plastics
Avenue Ramboz
F-69192 Saint-Fons Cedex
France
Notes for editors
Rhodia Engineering Plastics, headquartered in Lyon, France, is the world wide specialist in polyamide engineering thermoplastic materials. The company has a sales network that spans the world, with manufacturing plants and technical development centres in Europe, North America, South America and Asia.For further details about the Company, visit Rhodia Engineering Plastics’ website at: www.rhodia-ep.com
Rhodia is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of specialty chemicals. Providing a wide range of innovative products and services to the consumer care, food, industrial care, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, automotive, electronics and fibers markets, Rhodia offers its customers tailor-made solutions based on the cross-fertilization of technologies, people and expertise. Rhodia subscribes to the principles of Sustainable Development communicating its commitments and performance openly with stakeholders. Rhodia generated net sales of
€ 6.6 billion in 2002 and employs 24,500 people worldwide. Rhodia is listed on the Paris and New York stock exchanges. For further details about the Group, visit Rhodia’s website at: www.rhodia.com
Editorial enquiries
Christine Bourguignon
Rhodia Engineering Plastics