Materials (October 01, 2004)

Plastic-metal composite suits electronics

Researchers with Siemens have developed a composite of plastic and metal that is reported to process like a plastic, and have the electrical and electromagnetic properties of metal. The new plastic-metal hybrid is designed to simplify the production of electrical components such as transmission and engine control units.

According to Siemens, experiments have shown that conductor paths as well as contacts for plug-in connections and cables can be injection molded in one operation using this material.

The material consists of 10 to 20% plastic, 50% copper, and a solder that melts at relatively low temperatures. The solder permits the material to remain a fluid during molding, despite the high filler content.

Siemens 49 (0) 9131 7 21774

New way to make PET

Eastman Chemical has announced it will build a new polyethylene terephthalate (PET) manufacturing facility based on the company’s new IntegRex process. IntegRex is a “major innovation in the paraxylene to PET production technology,” says Eastman chairman and CEO Brian Ferguson. The new PET plant will be built at Eastman’s Columbia, SC, site. The company expects to receive patents on process and product innovations associated with this new technology.

Eastman Chemical Co. 423-229-2000

Flexible flame retardant

Polypropylene is a very versatile polymer, and for it Techmer PM has developed a flame retardant that is equally flexible. Techsperse PM1356E25 can provide high level flame retardancy across a wide range of applications, including slit tape, carpets, extruded hose, thermoformable sheet and injection molded items.

“With Techsperse PM1356E25, we have attained an unprecedented chemical synergy between organic and inorganic ingredients,” explains Mark Jordan, marketing vice-president. “The result is superb flame-retardant performance, plus the flexibility of using this concentrate in both homopolymer and copolymer polypropylenes.”

Techsperse PM1356E25 can enable polypropylene extrusions and moldings to meet specifications such as UL-94 V-0.

Techmer PM 310-632-9211