bioplasticsMAGAZINE_1406

Consumer Electronics
Biobased high-performance
Polyamides for mobile
healthcare electronic devices
Solvay Specialty Polymers (the Solvay Group headquartered
in Brussels, Belgium) recently introduced
a new family of Kalix ® high-performance polyamides
(HPPAs) for structural components used in mobile healthcare
(mHealth) electronic devices. The new products include
among others also biobased Kalix HPPAs. They deliver exceptional
strength, stiffness, and significantly improved chemical
resistance versus traditional polycarbonate (PC) or PC/
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) materials typically used
for covers and housings for mHealth electronic devices.
The new Kalix HPPAs – first launched for smart
mobile electronics at K 2013 in Germany last
October – are a unique offering targeted for
frames and covers for healthcare displays,
terminals, and modules along with chassis,
housings, and bezels for mHealth devices.
“This material introduction strengthens our
commitment to both the healthcare and mobile
electronics industries,” said Maria Gallahue-
Worl, global healthcare business manager for
Solvay Specialty Polymers. “We’ve leveraged
our extensive know-how in polymer
technology and our long-term
presence in healthcare to give
our customers a competitive
edge in meeting their end-use
requirements.”
With the introduction of a
new portfolio of biobased
HPPAs for healthcare
OEMs Solvay wants to
incorporate renewable,
biobased polymers for
mHealth devices. This
includes the Kalix HPPA
3000 series, the first
biobased amorphous PPA,
and the Kalix 2000 series,
a family of biosourced
PPA grades that provide
outstanding impact
resistance. According
to Gallahue-Worl, the
company’s expanded portfolio of biobased PAs is driven by
environmentally-conscious medical manufacturers who are
continually striving for more sustainable alternatives.
The Kalix 3000 series breaks new ground as the industry’s
first biobased amorphous PPA. The two new grades – Kalix
3850 and Kalix 3950 – provide less warp, reduced shrinkage,
and low to no flash. This improved processability results
in tighter dimensional tolerances and more cost-effective
manufacturing due to fewer secondary operations such
as deflashing. Both compounded grades consist of 16 %
renewable content, according to the ASTM D6866 test method
for determining biobased carbon content.
Meanwhile, the new Kalix 2000 series, based on PA 6.10,
consists of Kalix 2855 and Kalix 2955. They provide strong
mechanical properties, high impact strength, an exceptional
surface finish, and low moisture absorption.
These two compounded grades consist of
27 % renewable content according to ASTM
D6866.
Both the Kalix 2000 and 3000 series
contain monomers that come from the
sebacic acid chain which is derived from
non-food competing and GMO-free castor
oil. Overall, in addition to their renewable
content, the grades (between 50-55 %
glass fiber loading) provide greater
strength and stiffness than most
competing glass-reinforced
materials including
high-performance PAs
and lower-performing
engineering plastics such
as PC.
Both the Kalix 2000
and 3000 series offer
an ultra-smoth surface
finish. Along with Kalix
5950 HFFR, they can
be matched to a wide
range of colors including
the bright and light
colors used for mHealth
electronic devices. They
can also be painted
with existing coatings
commonly used for
these devices.
The new Kalix HPPA
materials are available globally and Solvay is currently
seeking qualifications with leading manufacturers of mHealth
electronic devices. MT
www.SolvaySpecialtyPolymers.com.
Photo just as an example. No pictures from Solvay available
(shutterstock / Piotr Marcinski)
bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/14] Vol. 9 43