26 Oct 2007
Rhodia introduces a new environmentally improved range of flame retardant products that meet the current and future needs of the global E&E market
Düsseldorf, Germany - October 24, 2007 – Today Rhodia Polyamide used its presentation at K 2007 to introduce halogen and red phosphorous-free additions to its innovative range of TECHNYL® flame retardant polyamide resins. These new products provide environmentally improved solutions for Electrical & Electronic applications that meet key European Community Directives for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS).
Newly launched to lead this product segment, TECHNYL® A 60G2 V30 with its unique combination of high mechanical performance, flame retardant properties and high flow PA66 polymer base, represents a market breakthrough. This high flow, 30% glass filled halogen and red phosphorus-free flame retardant grade, rated UL94 V0 and GWIT 850°C, is designed to fit a wide spectrum of highly demanding electrical applications. In particular, those in the appliance and connector industries where a GWIT >775°C pass is essential.
Due to its unique formulation, TECHNYL® A 60G2 V30 passes the UL94 V0 test, Glow Wire Flammability index at 960°C and the Glow Wire Ignition Test at 850°C, all at extremely low thicknesses, thereby satisfying requirements for miniaturized components. Furthermore, it provides excellent mechanical properties, particularly in respect of impact, strength and stiffness. Additionally, it can be made in all colours, dark and light, and is also available in laser markable colours.
The use of TECHNYL® high flow technology allows processing conditions that are favourable to maintaining excellent flame retardancy behaviour. Moreover, high-flow characteristics also enable 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 moulding productivity.
Supporting this new halogen and red phosphorus-free glass filled compound, Rhodia has developed a complete product range using RoHS compliant additives to meet the stringent requirements of the glow wire ‘no flame’ regulation (IEC 60335-4). This range of products, based on TECHNYL® or TECHNYL STAR™ polymers, responds positively to the most stringent technical demands and economic requirements of customers in the E&E market.
The range includes two unfilled grades, TECHNYL® XA 1318 and TECHNYL® XA 1332. These two new products, rated UL94 V2 and V0 respectively, both build on a novel PA66 high flow base- polymer technology that delivers excellent moulding behaviour, and which also enhances glow wire performance on end parts to meet every application requirement.
Work is also continuing on a halogen and red phosphorus-free solution with UL94 V0 and GWIT performance at very low wall thicknesses to completely satisfy the needs of the global market.
To meet the specific performance criteria of power distribution and industrial control applications, Rhodia has developed two key grades to complete its portfolio for this market. For mini-circuit breakers TECHNYL® C 52G1 V20 and Technyl® C 52G1 V25 are special glass filled PA6 products that pass the Glow Wire Flammability Index 960°C test at 0.8mm. With increasingly more difficult thin wall and high resistance requirements, these two products with their unmatched combination of strength, stiffness, colour stability and mouldability, positively meet and exceed the demands of highly challenging MCB applications.
For applications that demand low fume toxicity and low smoke generation, combined with arc resistance and flame retardancy, Rhodia offers full fire and fume certification, as well as UL and VDE certification on all key products. Supporting this Rhodia has a fully certified UL laboratory and is equipped with the latest testing and simulation technologies to meet any and all of its customers’ needs.
With these latest additions to its TECHNYL® product range, Rhodia Polyamide brings material solutions that meet the current and emerging regulations to improve the environmental performance of polymers, while at the same time 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 Polyamide is Rhodia's fully integrated enterprise focusing on Polyamide 6.6. Its strategy rests on three pillars: a high worldwide competitiveness of intermediates & polymers along with strong development of the industrial footprint in fast growing regions; the strengthening of engineering plastics as a growth engine; and a focus on Asia and Brazil as priority regions for expansion beyond our European base. In South America, Rhodia Polyamide also holds strong positions in phenol and adiponitrile route, industrial yarns and fibers. For further details about Rhodia Polyamide visit the website at www.rhodia-polyamide.com.
Rhodia, a chemist, leader in its businesses, is an international industrial group resolutely committed to sustainable development. The Group aims to improve its customers' performance through the pursuit of operational excellence and its ability to innovate. Structured around seven Enterprises, Rhodia is the partner of major players in the automotive, tire, electronics, perfume, health and beauty and home care markets. The Group generated sales of €4.8 billion in 2006 and employs around 16,000 people worldwide. Rhodia is listed on Euronext Paris.
For further details about the Group, visit Rhodia’s website at: www.rhodia.com.
Editorial enquiries
Christine Bourguignon
Rhodia Engineering Plastics
christine.bourguignon@eu.rhodia.com
Alan Flower
EMG