Acommercial line of glass-reinforced, nonhalogen, flame-retardant polyester compounds has been developed specifically for electronic components. This line, the RTP 4700 Series, was developed in conjunction with Germany-based Epcos AG to be a halogen-free, eco-label-compliant polyester compound. These compounds reportedly offer low smoke emission during combustion and low corrosivity to sensitive metal and electronic circuitry.

Based on PTT (polytrimethylene terephthalate), the compound is available with glass levels of 10 to 33 percent. This line has a flexural strength of 23,000 psi and a dielectric strength of 500 V/mil. It has an HDT of 410F at 264 psi, as well as reportedly good strength and stiffness properties. The specific gravities of nonhalogenated compounds are, in many cases, lower than comparable chlorinated or brominated systems. This is said to result in a lower cost per volume and reduced part weight, making the series good for applications such as computer housings, business equipment, appliances, telecommunications, and building components.

RTP also has announced the expansion of its PermaStat permanently antistatic compounds to include PermaStat Plus. These compounds are said to provide antistatic properties for applications requiring dust- and static-free environments. PermaStat Plus compounds are reportedly nonsloughing and carbon particle free.

The compounds are available in an E-Series (for improved electrical dissipative performance) and an M-Series (for improved mechanical property performance). They?ll initially be available in acrylic, ABS, clear ABS, acetal, and polyethylene resin systems. Typical applications include electronics packaging for cleanroom devices, disk drive components and packaging, and explosive and flammable products storage and transport devices.

RTP Co.
Winona, MN
(507) 454-6900
www.rtpcompany.com