Halogen-free FR polyamide compounds

Three halogen-free FR glass-reinforced polyamide compounds with UL94 ratings of V0 provide high flow for injection molding, superior surface finish, and improved property retention in comparison with standard glass-filled FR polyamide 66.

Creamid® grades A3H7G3, C3H2G4, and C3H2G6 from Teknor Apex Company are polyamide 66-based compounds with glass loadings of 15%, 20%, and 30%, respectively. Their non-halogen flame retardant formulations make possible compliance with European RoHS and WEEE directives as well as internal OEM requirements. Teknor Apex recommends the compounds for applications such as appliance and power tool housings, electronic handheld devices, components for charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, and certain under-hood automotive components requiring FR properties.

Teknor Apex has drawn on semi-aromatic polyamide chemistry to enhance the ability of these compounds to retain tensile properties and stiffness upon exposure to moisture, according to Mike Anderson, commercial director for the ETP Division. The A3H7G3 product is currently in use for an automotive engine cover, having met an OEM specification for property retention after heat aging at 170 °C.

For the 20% glass-reinforced C3H2G4 grade, a comparison between dry-as-moulded and conditioned properties shows notched Izod impact strength increasing from 7 to 10 KJ/m2; tensile strength decreasing from 125 to 85 MPa; elongation at break increasing from 3.0 to 3.4%; and tensile modulus decreasing from 8,300 to 5,500 MPa.

The new Creamid compounds enable engineers to meet increasingly stringent requirements for halogen-free FR formulations while finding new ways to consolidate parts, said Pratik Shah, director of strategic initiatives. Included are grades with halide-free stabilization that are designed for sensitive electronic applications, where ion migration can lead to failures of the electronic components.

Teknor Apex continues to expand its portfolio of FR products in polyamides and other engineering plastics, such as PBT, PPA, and even PP, with several new grades in the final stages of commercialisation. The company’s vision is to have a polymer-neutral approach and provide an optimised solution to the individual customer problems.