BMS Introduces New Grade of 5VA Flame Retardant Bayblend® Polycarbonate Blend Resin for Thin-Wall Applications

26 Mar 2008 • by Natalie Aster

PITTSBURGH -- As a leader in sustainable chemistry, Bayer MaterialScience LLC (BMS) continues to expand its sustainable offerings with Bayblend® FR3041 polycarbonate blend resin, which has passed UL-94 flame testing of V0 at 0.75 mm and 5VA testing at 2.3 mm.

BMS developed the new polycarbonate alloy specifically for thin-wall electrical applications. It complies with the requirements of EU Directive 2002/95/EC (RoHS Directive) on the restriction of certain substances in electric and electronic (E/E) equipment and does not have to be separated from collected E/E waste. In addition, Bayblend FR3041 polycarbonate blend resin complies with the German Blue Angel eco-labeling requirements for plastics and the Nordic Swan eco-labeling requirements for computers.

Bayblend FR3041 polycarbonate blend resin is engineered to perform exceptionally well in thin-wall applications requiring high impact resistance and excellent UL flame ratings. The resin contains no fillers or chlorinated or brominated flame retardants, and has good chemical and impact resistance as well as improved hydrolysis resistance and surface appearance.

"This new grade of Bayblend resin was designed specifically with new-generation, thin-wall electrical equipment in mind," said Gerald DiBattista, market segment leader, IT, Electrical/Electronics Polycarbonates, BMS. "With the rapid innovation and product development taking place in the electronics market, it's important for manufacturers to have access to materials that have the versatility to facilitate the next generation of design. Bayblend FR3041 is just that material, combining excellent flame resistance with a great property profile."

Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of polymers and high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with nearly 15,400 employees at 30 sites around the world and 2007 sales of 10.4 billion euros. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, medical, and sports and leisure industries. Our inorganic basic chemicals unit produces chlorine and related essential products for the chemicals industry. Let us give life to your vision. Bayer MaterialScience -- Where VisionWorks.

Bayer Corporation, headquartered in Pittsburgh, is a subsidiary of Bayer AG, an international health care, nutrition and innovative materials group based in Leverkusen, Germany. In North America, Bayer had 2007 net sales of 8.1 billion euros and employed 16,800 at year end. Bayer's three subgroups, Bayer HealthCare, Bayer CropScience and Bayer MaterialScience, improve people's lives through a broad range of essential products that help diagnose, prevent and treat diseases; protect crops and enhance yields; and advance automobile safety and durability.

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