Excellent flammability performance compounds that meet requirements of halogen-free parts

GE Plastics has launched a new portfolio of high-tech LNP* Starflam* compounds that provide excellent flammability performance while meeting the requirements of halogen-free parts. The LNP X-Gen Starflam Z270 family of fiber-reinforced polyamides supports compliance with the European Union's Waste Electrical and Electronics Equipment (WEEE), Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) regulations, and other environmental requirements. The new products offer high-end mechanical and electrical properties that exceed those of traditional materials that use brominated and red phosphorus additives, and provide easy processing, excellent surface appearance, and the ability to be laser marked for labeling purposes. The LNP X-Gen Starflam Z270 compounds combine non-halogenated flame retardance and low smoke performance, and meet UV94 V-0 standards at low thicknesses, as well as IEC60335 requirements. They also provide outstanding thermal performance with a RTI of 140 °C and very robust electrical properties with a CTI of 600 volts. The materials deliver excellent mechanical properties - Including ductility and low warpage - enabling the materials to be use in demanding applications of virtually any size. "Many different industries face increasingly stringent environmental requirements on the use of halogenated flame retardants," said Nitin Apte, general manager LNP at GE Plastics. "Until now, there were no good alternatives to traditional reinforced polyamides. But with our new LNP X-Gen Starflam compounds, GE has changed the game: customers across the electrical/electronics, transportation seating, and industrial devices industries now have a full range of high-performance, environmentally responsible compounds that can help ensure regulatory compliance." RoHS regulations have led to industry adoption of a soldering process that meets lead-free requirements for surface mounting of connectors onto printed circuit boards. GE Plastics material could be processed in existing molds, saving tremendous capital costs and enabling fast implementation. LNP X-Gen Starflam compounds have already proven their excellent fits in a range of other applications covering the electronics and electrical segment as well as transportation. The portfolio includes PA6, PA6.6, PA6.6/6 blends and other polyamides such as PPA and PA12. The materials are available globally and are currently injection moldable; new extrusion grades are under development.