Materials giant BASF has developed several new polyamide products for electric and electronics (E&E) applications that require exceptional stiffness and strength. Customers can now choose from a tailored portfolio of PA66/6T compounds.

Ultramid T6000 is a high-temperature polyamide that outperforms PA66 in mechanical and dielectric properties in humid and high-temperature environments. Its lower moisture absorption ensures good dimensional stability. Ultramid T6000 allows for easy processing at low mold temperatures, similar to standard PA66. Due to its good colorability, compounds with different white shades can be manufactured, in addition to durable orange and grey. The flame-retardant grades are equipped with a non-halogenated flame retardant.

Ultramid T6000’s good flowability makes it suitable for producing small and complex E&E components such as high-voltage connectors and miniature circuit breakers, as well as parts for electric powertrains and consumer electronics. For example, Ultramid T6340 G6 can be used in high-voltage connectors for EVs to provide a safe and reliable connection between battery and inverter or between power distribution and e-motor, even at elevated temperatures.

UL cards for the new polyamides show outstanding flame-retardant values. For example, Ultramid T6340G6 has a V-0 rating at 0.4 mm and is characterized by a high CTI (Comparative Tracking Index) of 600 (according to IEC 60112). This supports miniaturization of E&E parts, as it provides lower creepage and better insulation than standard PA66. The PPA provides an excellent electrical RTI (Relative Temperature Index) of 150° C at 0.4 mm and a GWFI (Glow Wire Flammability Index) of 960° C at 0.8 mm. This ensures functionality for small wall thicknesses, even at high operating temperatures.

“Our Ultramid T6000 bridges the gap between PA66 and PPA for E&E applications,” says Andreas Stockheim from BASF’s PPA business development group. “Tests have proven that mold temperatures from 90° C to 110° C have no significant influence on its good mechanical properties and surface appearance. Thus, manufacturers can use their existing PA66 equipment like water cooling for molds—they can even save energy in comparison to manufacturing PPAs.”

BASF’s polyphthalamide portfolio is based on the six polymers Ultramid Advanced N (PA9T), Ultramid Advanced T1000 (PA6T/6I), Ultramid Advanced T2000 (PA6T/66), Ultramid T KR (PA6T/6), Ultramid T6000 (PA66/6T) and Ultramid T7000 (PA/PPA).

The PPA portfolio is complemented by BASF’s Ultrasim simulation tool and extensive experience in application development. It includes more than 50 compounded grades for injection molding and extrusion, with or without flame retardants. The compounds are available in different colors, from colorless to laser-markable black, with short-glass or mineral fiber reinforcement, and with various heat stabilizers.

Source: BASF