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GREAT LAKES OFFERS FLAME RETARDANT FOR LEAD-FREE SOLDER SYSTEMS USED IN THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY
08 November 2004 - Great Lakes Chemical Corporation
| Great Lakes Chemical Corp has announced that tests using its Firemaster CP-44HF di-bromostyrene flame retardant in electronics applications show superior results in lead-free solder systems to be introduced by the industry in 2006. |
Great Lakes Chemical Corp has announced that tests using its Firemaster CP-44HF di-bromostyrene flame retardant in electronics applications show superior results in lead-free solder systems to be introduced by the industry in 2006.
The European Union Reduction of Hazardous substances (RoHS) directive will take effect in 2006 mandating that electronics manufacturers switch to lead-free solder systems. Lead-free solder systems typically run at temperatures between 30C to 50C higher than traditional lead systems, forcing manufacturers to use internal components with higher thermal stability.
Traditional flame retardants such as brominated polystyrene are less effective at increased temperatures because they do not distribute evenly throughout the polymer. Rather, these flame retardants cluster in 'flame retardant domains', where moisture can collect and expand when exposed to higher temperatures. Such heat exposure causes the polymer to separate and form blisters on the surface of components.
Firemaster CP-44HF flame retardant, originally developed in 2003 to provide much-needed improvement in thermal properties because of the continued miniaturization of parts, is a co-polymer of di- bromostyrene and tri-bromostyrene with glycidil methacrylate, which allows it to overcome the manufacturing difficulties associated with brominated polystyrene flame retardants in lead-free solder systems. Firemaster CP-44HF adds extra functionality that allows for greater bonding and compatibility of the flame retardant with the host resin.
Tests have shown that compatibility improves blister resistance, by eliminating the flame retardant domain in the polymer matrix, making Firemaster CP-44HF the perfect fit for the new lead-free solder systems. In addition, Firemaster CP-44HF, available in pellet form for ease of handling, offers excellent flow for better processability, increased efficiency with flame retardant synergists, and outstanding cost performance.
http://www.greatlakeschem.com
About: Great Lakes Chemical Corporation
Great Lakes Chemical Corp’s products and services help treat and purify water, eliminate germs and contaminants from household surfaces, protect against and extinguish fire, and enhance the stability and performance of a wide range of consumer products, such as computers, electronics, cars, packaging, building materials, and furniture. It serve its customers around the world through an integrated network of research, production, sales, distribution and technical services facilities. The stock of the company is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Great Lakes Chemical Corporation is the world’s leading producer of certain specialty chemicals for such applications as water treatment, household cleaners, flame retardants, polymer stabilizers, fire suppression, and performance chemicals. Through its Polymer Additives division, Great Lakes offers a full line of UV stabilizers, antioxidants, additive blends , nucleating agents/clarifiers, and optical monomers, as well as a leading line of flame retardants that include bromine-, phosphorus-, and antimony-based flame retardants and other synergists. These are available as powder blends or in NDB (No Dust Blend) granular form. Each blend contains exactly the correct composition of additives required to achieve optimum polymer quality and productivity. |
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