Solvay Specialty Polymers USA has presented a new high-performance polyester compound that is said to deliver higher heat and light stability than competitive materials for light-emitting diode (LED) televisions. The new class of compounds is offered under the tradename of Lavanta.
Turning up the heat
Glenn Cupta, Global Business Development Manager for Electrical/eElectronics for Solvay Specialty Polymers, said that its new class of polymers are designed to meet industry requirements such as higher heat resistance, greater light stability and longer life. There is a growing trend among television manufacturers to use fewer individual LEDs, in order to reduce cost. One consequence of this is that higher amperage (current) has to be sent through the LED, which means significantly higher junction temperatures – above 100°C (212°F) – as well as greater brightness. Materials that had been previously used have been unable to withstand the higher heat and light output, leading to premature discoloration in applications such as reflector cups.
LED TV Lavanta application (photo: Solvay/stockphoto)
Suitable for LEDs
The first grade in the series to be launched, Lavanta 5115 WH 011, is a 15% glass fibre reinforced injection moulding compound developed specifically for LED electronic packaging applications that utilise surface mount technology. Solvay claims that the material has high reflectivity (greater than 95%), good whiteness retention even after thermal and light aging, which gives it good levels of reliability for LEDs that operate at high junction temperatures.
Lavanta 5115 WH 011 can fill thin-walled sections required for low-profile, side-view LEDs with low warpage and exceptional weld line strength. Solvay plans to expand the Lavanta product series very soon with an enhanced version with even greater heat and light stability. Besides TV applications, the material is targeted for general lighting for indoor and outdoor applications in addition to LEDs.
Range extension
The new compound extends the company’s existing polyester line, which includes Xydar liquid crystal polymer (LCP) for electronic components such as connectors. Xydar LCP is a glass fibre or mineral-filled resin with good flow properties. It can be injection moulded into thin-wall components and has demonstrated strength at extreme temperatures to 300°C (572°F). Solvay says that the resin is inherently flame retardant, transparent to microwave radiation and resistant to virtually all chemicals.
www.solvayplastics.com
