- Corrosion, ion migration and electrolyte formation challenge electronic assemblies
- Polyamide with hardly any electrically active or corrosion-generating contents
- Organic heat stabilizer with very low halogen content
For micro-electronics in sensitive automotive applications such as control units and sensors, BASF has now developed a range of polyamide 6 and 66 grades that help prevent damage to circuits by electric corrosion. The different Ultramid EQ grades (EQ = electronic quality) are extremely pure, which means they have hardly any electrically active or corrosion-generating contents, yet still offer good resistance to heat aging. They are subject to special quality tests that cover raw material selection, the production process, and the analysis of the halogen content.
Corrosion, ion migration and electrolyte formation challenge electronic assemblies
Electronic assemblies in modern transmission control units or safetyrelated applications such as airbag and anti-lock systems are becoming ever more compact and complex. They are also often exposed to high ambient temperatures and aggressive media such as oil. The delicate circuits are more frequently connected to semiconductors via thin wires which is known as wire bonding. In such surroundings, disruptive effects such as corrosion, ion migration, electrolyte formation, and creep currents can arise and in extreme cases cause entire assemblies to fail. Plastics for housings and components have to be equipped in such a way that they do not react with the metals involved and thus prevent electronic failure.
Organic heat stabilizer with very low halogen content
All Ultramid EQ grades have an organic heat stabilizer with a very low halogen content of less than 1 ppm. This prevents halogens like iodine or bromine from damaging metal wiring, ions from reacting with the metals, and undesired electric currents from arising. In addition, all Ultramid EQ charges are checked carefully. This ensures that the manufacturing process does not introduce any halogen contamination to the material. The relevant certificate is provided to customers if desired. The new grades are also well-suited for use in electric and hybrid vehicles with elevated AC and DC voltages.
