High modulus ductile compounds

SABIC introduced its next-generation THERMOCOMP™ HMD-D compounds to the North American and European markets at the NPE 2018. Initially launched in Asia, these materials expand SABIC’s THERMOCOMP™ portfolio of specialty compounds with high-performance, glass-reinforced polycarbonate (PC) materials. The new series of six grades delivers a unique combination of high modulus and ductility to enable lighter, thinner and stronger parts that advance design innovation and ease of use. They are engineered for challenging structural components in the consumer electronics, healthcare and transportation sectors.

 

“From smartphone cases to medical device housings and mass transit interior panels, there is an urgent need on the part of OEMs to replace metal and other traditional materials to reduce weight, expand design freedom and cut processing costs and complexity,” said Joshua Chiaw, director of compounds at SABIC. Mr. Chiaw further said that THERMOCOMP™ HMD-D compounds not only avoid the drawbacks of metal, they also add value with breakthrough ductility performance and excellent stiffness, which open opportunities for use in a wide range of structural applications.  

 

 

Balancing ductility and stiffness

To achieve lighter weight and thinner geometries in structural applications, THERMOCOMP™ HMD-D compounds deliver high performance in key mechanical properties that previously were mutually exclusive. The materials offer both better ductility and dimensional stability/warpage control than other high-modulus PC-based materials. This distinctive combination of attributes allows, for example, the creation of thin-wall devices that may withstand stringent drop testing without cracking.

 

The new compounds use special glass fibers that minimize warpage. Grades with different glass fiber loadings (10 percent through 50 percent) are available to meet various modulus requirements.

 

THERMOCOMP™ HMD-D products also deliver good strength for metal replacement while reducing weight due to their low specific gravity. They provide an excellent surface appearance by minimizing the floating of glass fibers to the surface and improved melt flow, which, unlike parts made with various competitive materials, are not affected by heat and moisture aging. Together with good color-matching capability and color stability, these characteristics help manufacturers appeal to fashion-conscious consumers of electronic devices and to patients who use home medical devices. All grades feature halogen-free flame retardancy to support sustainability efforts.

 

The new THERMOCOMP™ HMD-D product family can help customers lower total system cost by supporting part integration, process simplification and potential elimination of secondary operations, such as painting. The materials’ good flow and easy processing help reduce cycle times and boost productivity. In addition, these compounds have excellent thermal stability that allows them to be processed at a relatively high temperature.