High flowability, easy processing and good colorability: PPA for small and color-stable E&E parts

• Ultramid^® T6000 (PA66/6T) bridges gap between polyamide 66 and polyphthalamide (PPA)
• Excellent, UL-tested flammability values for RTI and CTI
• Pre-colored compounds in black, grey and durable orange
• Improved, backwards-integrated PA66/6T, immediately available in all regions

For many electric and electronics (E&E) components, where stiffness and strength of polyamide 66 (PA66) reach their limit, BASF customers can now choose from a tailored portfolio of PA66/6T compounds: Ultramid^® T6000 is a high-temperature polyamide outperforming PA66 in mechanical and dielectric properties in presence of humidity and at elevated temperatures. At the same time, its lower moisture absorption ensures good dimensional stability, thus closing the gap to BASF’s Ultramid^® Advanced (polyphthalamide: PPA) portfolio. Ultramid^® T6000 allows for easy processing at low mold temperatures similar to standard PA66. Due to its good colorability, compounds with different white shades can be manufactured, in addition to durable orange and grey. The flame-retardant grades are equipped with a non-halogenated flame retardant. Ultramid^® T6000 are improved, backwards-integrated PA66/6T compounds, which BASF acquired from Solvay in 2020, and are immediately available.

Its good flowability makes Ultramid^® T6000 ideal for producing small and complex E&E components, e.g. high-voltage connectors and miniature circuit breakers (MCB) as well as parts in electric powertrains and consumer electronics. E.g., Ultramid^® T6340 G6 can be used in high-voltage connectors for electric vehicles to provide a safe and reliable connection between battery and inverter or the power distribution and e-motor even at elevated temperatures. Ultramid^® T6000 thus helps to transfer power in the most efficient and safe way; even high power surges during swift acceleration can be reliably handled during the whole lifetime of the vehicle, while ensuring an optimum component design in terms of compact, flexible geometry, weight and cost.

UL cards for e.g., Ultramid^® T6340G6 show outstanding flame-retardant values: It has a V-0 rating at 0.4mm and is characterized by a high CTI (Comparative Tracking Index) of 600 (acc. to IEC 60112): This supports miniaturization of E&E parts by lower creepage and better insulation than standard PA66. The PPA provides an excellent electrical RTI (Relative Temperature Index) of 150°C at 0.4mm and a GWFI (Glow Wire Flammability Index) of 960°C at 0.8mm. This ensures functionality for small wall thicknesses, even at high operating temperatures. “Our Ultramid^® T6000 bridges the gap between PA66 and PPA for E&E applications”, says Andreas Stockheim from PPA business development at BASF. “Tests have proven that mold temperatures from 90°C to 110°C have no significant influence on its good mechanical properties and surface appearance: Thus, manufacturers can use their existing PA66 equipment like water cooling for molds - they can even save energy in comparison to manufacturing PPAs. We are looking forward to working together with customers and unlocking the full potential of Ultramid^® T6000 for innovative E&E components in many colors.”

As the market leader for polyamides, BASF with Ultramid^® T6000 is currently the only company to offer pre-colored PA66/6T compounds in durable orange (RAL 2003), which meet the criteria of color stability at high temperatures over a long time. They thus enable long-lasting color coding, which is safety-relevant for high voltage applications. The use of tailor-made pigments and non-halogenated flame retardants counteracts electro-corrosion, especially in humid and warm environments. Besides pre-colored compounds in black, grey, orange and white, UL-certified masterbatches are available for self-coloring. For fuel cell components, the high-purity Ultramid^® T6300HG7 without flame retardants can be used.
 

About Ultramid^® Advanced

BASF’s polyphthalamide portfolio is based on the six polymers Ultramid^® Advanced N (PA9T), Ultramid^® Advanced T1000 (PA6T/6I), Ultramid^® Advanced T2000 (PA6T/66), Ultramid^® T KR (PA6T/6), Ultramid^® T6000 (PA66/6T) and Ultramid^® T7000 (PA/PPA). They open the door to the next generation of lightweight, high-performance plastic components in many different sectors including the automotive industry, electronics and electric devices, mechanical engineering and consumer goods. The PPA portfolio is available globally and complemented by BASF’s Ultrasim^® simulation tool and extensive experience in application development. It includes more than 50 compounded grades for injection molding and extrusion, products with or without flame retardants. The compounds are available in different colors, from colorless to laser-markable black, with short-glass or mineral fiber reinforcement, and with various heat stabilizers.
 

Further information: www.ppa.basf.com
 

About BASF’s Performance Materials division

BASF’s Performance Materials division leads the transformation of the plastics industry by merging sustainability with a competitive edge. Our broad material competencies and product portfolio, backed by deep industry understanding, make us the ideal one-stop-shop. With dedicated material-focused teams and strong R&D power, we deliver industry-leading technologies and expertise to our customers worldwide. Our global network ensures a competitive advantage through superior innovations, regional proximity, and tailor-made solutions that meet local market demands. We are committed to enhancing performance and efficiency across sectors such as automotive, consumer goods, industrial applications, and construction. With BASF, our partners embark on #OurPlasticsJourney towards a more circular and sustainable future. In 2024, the Performance Materials division achieved global sales of €6.8 billion. Join #OurPlasticsJourney on LinkedIn https://on.basf.com/PM_LinkedIn and in our newsletter https://on.basf.com/PM_Newsletter.

Further information at https://www.performance-materials.basf.com.
 

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €65.3 billion in 2024. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.

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