SABIC launches sustainable LNP compound for electrical applications

SABIC has recently launched the newest addition to its growing family of sustainable iQ resins. The LNP ELCRIN WF0051iQ compound features thin-wall, non-brominated/non-chlorinated flame retardance (FR), and it is well suited for electrical applications.

The new grade will increase SABIC’s diversion of post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) water bottles, which are chemically upcycled into polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin. At the end of 2022, the company had already diverted 400 million 0.5-liter bottles through its iQ upcycling technology.

Compared to standard, fossil-based virgin PBT resin, LNP ELCRIN WF0051iQ compound’s carbon footprint is 11% less. This reduction is due, primarily, to the incorporation of 39 0.5-liter PET water bottles in each kilogram of the compound, representing a minimum of 27% of the content.

Beyond the reuse of waste plastic, LNP ELCRIN WF0051iQ compound can offer additional sustainability benefits. For example, the ability to design thin walls with this compound helps reduce the consumption of fossil-based raw materials, and the FR formulation helps avoid the use of bromine and chlorine, two semi-volatile organic compounds that are linked to health and environmental risks.

The sustainable LNP ELCRIN WF0051iQ compound is well suited for electrical applications.

The desirable combination of thin-wall FR, long-term property retention and glass fiber reinforcement for stiffness and high flow to enable complex geometries makes LNP ELCRIN WF0051iQ compound well suited for miniaturized electrical components such as connectors, switches and sockets. The product is available in custom colors.

The new resin is the first LNP ELCRIN iQ compound to meet the UL94 V0 standard for fire resistance at 0.4 mm and has received a Yellow Card listing under the UL Plastics Recognition Program for the signature sustainability green color. The material’s relative thermal index (RTI) is 130°C at 0.4 mm, and the comparative tracking index (CTI) is 2, contributing to safety and reduced material requirements that can lower the cost of tooling and accelerate time to market.

Complementing these exceptional performance properties are many processability benefits, including high flow for fast throughput, and low abrasion properties, compared to alternatives.

In addition to electrical components, LNP ELCRIN WF0051iQ compound is well suited for use in critical medical devices and appliance applications. This material is globally available.