Nov 17 2005
WinTech Polymer Ltd. and Polyplastics Co., Ltd. are pleased to announce success in the development of a new form of flame-resistant PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) resin that caters to the market needs of improved environmental consideration and fire safety.
Owing to its excellent molding capabilities and favorable levels of balance between mechanical and electrical properties, PBT resin is widely used as a structural material for automobiles, OA equipment and electrical/electronic equipment parts.
However, owing to the effects of international standardization and environmental regulations that originated with the EU these days with regard to safety standards, there is now a strong call for de facto standardized materials that conform to global standards and regulations within the market.
WinTech Polymer Ltd. joined forces with the Ticona Group to tackle this problem, and were successful in developing the DURANEX(R) XFR Series, which is considered to be a global standard for next-generation flame-resistant PBT resin.
The main features of the DURANEX(R) XFR Series are listed below.
- Conforms to WEEE/RoHS and other nations’ environmental labels by utilizing a non-halogen flame-resistant agent - The XFR series uses a non-halogen flame-resistant agent and thereby attains the highest level of V-0 (0.8mmt test piece thickness) for the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) flame-resistance rating.
- A complete grade line-up and similar molding capabilities to conventional flame-resistant PBT resin - Five different standard grades are currently available: non-strengthened, GF 10%, GF 15%, GF 20% and GF 30%. The new resin has been designed to have almost exactly the same molding capabilities as conventional flame-resistant PBT resin to ensure that replacement can be carried out as smoothly as possible on the user side.
Additionally, we intend to increase the grade line-up in accordance with user requirements to also cover low warpage grades, high sliding type and other grades.
- Safety with regard to electrical fire outbreaks increased by between one and two levels over conventional standard grades - Conventional standard flame-resistant PBT cannot exceed 250 ~ 225V (PLC rank 2 ~ 3) on the CTI (Comparative Tracking Index) that indicates resistance against tracking fires. With the XFR series, however, 600 ~ 400V (PLC rank 0 ~ 1) has been achieved. In addition to improving safety levels with regard to electrical fires,increasing tracking-resistance levels also contributes to compact designs for final products.
- Can be processed in any color. Also boasts greatly improved resistance against light discoloring in comparison with conventional flame-resistant PBT - Possesses a similar level of whiteness for colorless products as conventional flame-resistant PBT resin, and yellowing caused by ultraviolet rays over a long period of time has been drastically reduced in the XFR series. When used in either indoor or outdoor environments in which it is subject to UV rays for long periods of time, the XFR series has excellent levels of resistance against light discoloring.