3 Jul 2007

NEW HALOGEN FREE FLAME RETARDANT MATERIALS

In order to minimize environmental impact, whilst at the same time complying with the latest environmental regulations, DSM Engineering Plastics has recently introduced several new, halogen free flame retardant (FR) materials for use in a range of applications.

The new product ranges are:

• Halogen Free FR Xantar ABS/PC

• Halogen Free FR Arnite PBT

• Halogen Free FR Akulon (Ultraflow) PA6

• Halogen Free FR Arnitel Cope

Xantar C: halogen free FR for various applications

Xantar C is a clean, bright, stable and good flowing grade of Xantar ABS/PC material. This halogen free, low volatility flame retardant version is especially suited for use in:

• Battery Boxes: delivering enhanced long term performance and lower scrap rates

• TV Housings: for excellent surface appearance and high flow/impact behavior as well as high stiffness which enables reduced wall thicknesses for new designs

Arnite XG : halogen free FR for unattended appliances

DSM Engineering Plastics has introduced ARNITE XG unfilled Halogen Free PBT. ARNITE XG is a material based on a green flame retardant system which meets new technical and environmental requirements for lamp sockets, e-motors and connectors.

At present it is the only PBT that meets both GWEPT and GWIT requirements according to electrical standard IEC 60335-1 for appliances and lighting. On top of that, its green flame retardant system – based on a lower density - offers cost reduction compared to conventional halogen free systems.

Akulon (Ultraflow) K-FKMV5: halogen free FR for power distribution

Akulon Ultraflow K-FKMV5 creates value for customers in power distribution applications such as Miniature Circuit Breakers by delivering 15% lower injection molding cycle times, better dielectrical surface properties compared to standard halogen free FR mineral grades and similar stiffness as halogen containing FR mineral grades.

Arnitel C: halogen free FR for automotive class D cables

Arnitel C, halogen free TPE-E has been tested in automotive cables exceeding all ISO 6722 class D requirements and showing excellent performance in the LV112 tests. Arnitel C has the best high heat aging properties of all TPE-E with Continuous Use Temperature of 3000 hrs at 175 ºC and is also hydrolysis resistant, outperforming all other copolyester elastomers. In addition, the material provided a 50% cost reduction per length of cable compared to ETFE. Additional benefits are low toxicity of smoke, a high degree of recyclability and no placticisers.

DSM Engineering Plastics continuously develops new materials and processes. The company participates and/or is involved in activities including REACH, IMDS and actively fosters Product Stewardship.

Reader enquiries

DSM Engineering Materials
30 Pasir Panjang Road #13-31
Mapletree Business City
Singapore 117440
Singapore

Notes for editors

DSM Engineering Plastics

DSM Engineering Plastics is a Business Group in the performance materials cluster of DSM, with sales in 2006 of EUR 1005 million (which number includes the sales of DSM Dyneema) and approximately 1300 employees worldwide. It is one of the world's leading suppliers of engineering thermoplastics offering a broad portfolio of high performance products including Stanyl® PA 46 and Akulon® 6 and 66 polyamides, Arnitel® TPE-E, Arnite® PBT and PET polyesters, Xantar® polycarbonate, Yparex® extrudable adhesive resins. These materials are used in technical components for electrical appliances, electronic equipment and cars, in barrier packaging films as well as in many mechanical and extrusion applications. With Stanyl®, it is the global market leader in high heat polyamides.

About DSM

DSM is active worldwide in nutritional and pharma ingredients, performance materials and industrial chemicals. The company develops, produces and sells innovative products and services that help improve the quality of life. DSM’s products are used in a wide range of end-markets and applications, such as human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive and transport, coatings and paint, housing and electrics & electronics (E&E). DSM’s strategy, named Vision 2010 – Building on Strengths, focuses on accelerating profitable and innovative growth of the company’s specialties portfolio. The key drivers of this strategy are market-driven growth and innovation plus an increased presence in emerging economies. The group has annual sales of over €8 billion and employs some 22,000 people worldwide. DSM ranks among the global leaders in many of its fields. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Americas. More information about DSM can be found at www.dsm.com .

Akulon®, Arnite®, Arnitel®, Stanyl®, Xantar® and Yparex® are registered trademarks

of Royal DSM