Low-Chlorine content Fortron® PPS for electrical and electronic applications

Ticona Engineering Polymers, the world's largest supplier of linear polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), has announced a new grade of Fortron® PPS that reduces the amount of chlorine contained in the formulation. This will enable electrical and electronic component original equipment manufacturers and their suppliers to design and make products that will comply with anticipated halogen-free industry standards. Fortron PPS resins satisfy the UL94V-0 flammability rating without the addition of flame retardants. Also, Fortron PPS is ideal for use in applications where exacting electrical properties are required, such as jigs used in semiconductor production and testing. "The new Fortron PPS 1140A66 fuses improved polymerization and original compound technologies to reduce chlorine concentrations to below 900 parts per million," said Ed Hallahan, marketing manager - Vectra® LCP and Fortron PPS. This reduction in chlorine concentrations is accomplished without a loss of the superior mechanical properties that make these PPS resins a material of choice for making connectors, switches and other electrical components. For the ever-increasing demands of the electronics market, Ticona has a broad product line that complies with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS), including restrictions on heavy metals and brominated flame retardants such as polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDE). In addition to Fortron PPS, Ticona history includes: Inherently flame resistant and halogen-free without additives, Vectra LCP is a family of high-performance polymers based on patented Ticona technology. Introduced 22 years ago, the product line has evolved to include innovative grades that keep pace with market needs for thinner walls, higher temperature resistance, higher production rates, lower overall part costs and recyclability. These properties have led to Vectra LCP becoming the material of choice in many electronic applications such connectors, bobbins, switches and relays. This new Fortron PPS resin is in direct response to market demand for low-chlorine content and non-brominated products. In the past few years, European and American manufacturers specified non-halogenated materials for parts used in computers, mobile phones, game consoles and other information terminals. In addition, some manufacturers are beginning to control the amount of chlorine contained in products. "Ticona has a long history of working with customers in the electronic equipment industry, specifically with the makers of high-performance connectors," said Thomas Petzel, global business line director - Vectra LCP and Fortron PPS. "As new laws, regulations and requirements touch every aspect of an electronic device, from printed circuit boards to power cords, we're working hand-in-hand with our customers to help them develop eco-friendly, halogen-free innovations using material solutions from Ticona for their applications." Company Press Release