- Thermally conductive & flame-retardant
- Unusual combination of properties
- Alternative to die-cast aluminum in heat dissipation applications
Lanxess continues to expand its range of polyamides for components used in the thermal management of LEDs and electrical devices. The latest development is Durethan TP 723-620 which features very good thermal conductivity combined with high light reflection and good flame retardance. This combination of properties makes it unique in this material class, according to the company. Major application potential exists in lighting and electrical devices, and in the field of electronics.
Thermal conductivity about 10 times higher than standard polyamide 6
Because of the shape of the filler particles, the thermal conductivity of the new compound is directionally dependent, reaching 2.5 W/mK along the flow trajectory (determined by the NanoFlash test). It is about 10 times higher than that of the standard polyamide 6, Durethan BKV 30 H2.0, which is reinforced with 30 percent glass fibers.
Temperature distribution over a spherical, hollow test specimen heated from the inside by a lamp and made of polyamide (“coconut” demonstrator). Simulation with convective heat transfer (left); the same simulation shown in cross-section (middle); thermal scan with an IR camera (right; same color temperature scale as in the simulation) (Source: Lanxess AG)
Outstanding results in UL 94 flame retardance testing
The high flame retardance is attributable to a halogen-free flame retardance package. The compound passes the flame retardance test prescribed under the strict standards of US UL 94 V (Underwriter Laboratories), achieving the best classification of V-0 at a test specimen thickness of 0.75 millimeters. The product also demonstrates its good fire resistance in the glow wire tests to IEC 60695-2-12/13 (household appliances standard IEC 60335-1): in the Glow Wire Flammability Index (GWFI) test, the material achieved the best possible value for plastics at 960 °C and a wall thickness of 0.75 millimeters. It fulfills the requirements of the Glow Wire Ignition Temperature test (GWIT) at the same wall thickness and 775 °C.
High tracking resistance, low density
Another advantage of the material is its high tracking resistance, demonstrated by a CTI A value of 600 volts (Comparative Tracking Index, IEC 60112). Electrical assemblies can therefore be positioned closer together without resulting in shorts or device defects caused by leakage current. Despite the high mineral content the density of 1.7 g/cm3 is comparatively low for the polyamide 6, meaning it supports cost-efficient, lightweight component solutions.
Alternative to die-cast aluminum in heat dissipation applications
Potential applications include heat sinks, light-emitting diode (LED) carriers and electronic devices that require thermally conductive housings and covers due to their high power output. In the case of heat sinks, the new material is a good substitute for die-cast aluminum, especially when the metal’s very high thermal conductivity is not required.
Compounds with high mineral reinforcement
The new compound expands the range of polyamides already introduced to the market: Durethan BTC 65 H3.0 EF and BTC 75 H3.0 EF. They likewise have high mineral reinforcement. Their thermal conductivities are 1.0 and 1.4 W/mK through the wall thickness, meaning they are on par with polyamides containing boron nitride and aluminum oxide as thermally conductive fillers. Compared to boron nitride systems, the materials have better mechanical properties and are more cost-efficient. In addition, their thermal conductivity is nearly isotropic, i.e. virtually the same in all directions.
