Managing heat properly

Durethan BTC65H3.0EF and BTC75H3.0EF have a thermal conductivity of 1.3 and 1.7 watts per meter-kelvin, respectively, in the direction of flow. Their thermal conductivity is also almost entirely isotropic, meaning they dissipate heat nearly equally in all directions. Both compounds offer an excellent price-performance ratio. “We view them as alternatives to polyamide 6 types that contain boron nitride or aluminum oxide as the thermally conductive filler. This is because they dissipate heat similarly well as aluminum oxide systems, for example,” says Boden. These compounds also have better mechanical properties than polyamides with boron nitride additives.

Excellent flame retardancy in accordance with DIN EN 45545

In addition, the TC product line also includes the easy-flowing, halogen-free flame-retardant Durethan DPBM65XFM30. This glass fibre and mineral-filled compound is especially designed for applications with moderate thermal conductivity requirements. One of its strengths is its excellent flame retardancy. As such, it achieves a UL 94 classification of V-0 (0.75 millimeters). “In addition, it also achieves the highest classification of ‘Hazard Level 3’ in tests pursuant to the European DIN EN 45545 standard for fire protection on railway vehicles for specific applications such as chokes, voltage transformers, windings, contactors, and switches,” says Boden. Further potential applications include medium voltage insulating parts, solenoid valves, and high current circuit breakers, among others.

"HiAnt" - tailor-made service for customers

LANXESS supports customers in their development of thermally conductive plastic components with a wide range of services under the brand name "HiAnt". “For example, we analyze where areas of maximum heat in assemblies occur – known as hotspots – and provide suggestions regarding which components are best designed to dissipate heat. In addition, we also advise customers with regard to the selection of the most appropriate material, offer design suggestions, and simulate thermal conductivity behavior,” explains Boden. As a result, experts from the specialty chemicals company help optimize component design so that areas affected by heat are positioned as far outward as possible and heat dissipation is increased, for example through the use of cooling fins. Furthermore, the company draws up guidelines for designing the components that take the particular characteristics of highly filled materials into account as far as their mechanical properties and processing is concerned.

Source: LANXESS