Ticona Engineering Polymers is introducing a new Vectra GSeries that features two new cost-competitive halogen-free liquid crystalpolymer (LCP) grades.

According to Ticona, the series offers processingcharacteristics that avoid issues commonly encountered by electrical andelectronic manufacturers that use flame-retardant, high-temperature nylons.

"Vectra G141 and G441 are glass- and mineral-filled LCPsdesigned to help EE customers meet demanding lead-free soldering andhalogen-free requirements, and steer clear of costly corrosion and maintenanceissues," says Ed Hallahan, a Ticona marketing manager.

The 35 -percent glass-filled Vectra G141 and 35-percentmineral- and glass-filled Vectra G441 from Ticona are:

Both grades target the electrical and electronic markets,which typically require excellent dimensional stability in thin-wall parts,even at higher temperatures - more than 260C-where existing flame-retardant(FR) polymers struggle. They are designed to outperform traditional FR, high-temperature(HT) polyamides (nylons) and thermoplastic polyesters (PBT) that requirelead-free soldering resistance.

"Customer comparison tests demonstrate the Vectra Ggrades can outperform nylon and PBT in processability, blister performance anddimensional stability," says Hallahan.

The Vectra LCP line was introduced 23 years ago.

Major engineering efforts are also under way to replacehalogenated wire coating used in cars and various types of equipment.

A flexible polyphenylene oxide/polystyrene polymercalled Noryl is steadily making progress as a PVC replacement in wiring inmajor applications such as cars, medical diagnostic equipment andtelecommunications gear.