SABIC announces new bio-based polycarbonate copolymer
Published by Bella Weetch,
Editorial Assistant
Hydrocarbon Engineering,
SABIC, a global leader in the chemical industry, has introduced LNP™ ELCRIN™ EXL7414B copolymer, the company’s first bio-based polycarbonate (PC) copolymer to help advance the consumer electronics industry’s net zero carbon emissions goals.
The new copolymer is the first grade in an expanding portfolio to secure the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification Plus (ISCC+) designation. It is formulated with over 50% bio-based content from waste materials, which do not compete with the food chain, according to the mass balance approach. A preliminary SABIC internal assessment indicates that each kg of the new bio-based resin provides two kg of CO2 reduction as compared to the fossil-based alternative. LNP ELCRIN EXL resin joins SABIC’s fast-growing bio-based materials offering, which also includes ULTEM™ resins and LNP™ THERMOCOMP™ compounds.
The Chinese brand, Realme, chose LNP ELCRIN EXL7414B copolymer resin for the battery cover of its brand-new GT 2 Pro smartphone that launched on 4 January 2022, in China.
Realme was the first consumer electronics brand to adopt the incumbent version of this material, LNP™ ELCRIN™ EXL7414 resin, which was used to mold the battery cover of its C25 smartphone. Demonstrating its continuing innovation, Realme is now one of the first electronics companies to use a bio-based copolymer. The new SABIC copolymer provides the same outstanding properties and processing as its predecessor, enabling a seamless transition for the company.
In addition to lowering carbon footprint by reducing the use of fossil-based feedstocks, LNP ELCRIN EXL7414B copolymer resin delivers high performance for demanding electronics applications. It uses a non-brominated, non-chlorinated flame retardant formulation that meets the UL 94 V0 standard at 0.6 mm.
Both LNP ELCRIN EXL7414 and new LNP ELCRIN EXL7414B copolymer resins help address the harmonised International Electrotechnical Commission’s new IEC 62368-1 standard, which replaced the previous IEC 60065 Audio Video and IEC 60950 IT Equipment standards with stronger safety requirements. For example, this new standard, which took effect in December 2020, requires hazardous energy sources such as lithium-ion batteries to be contained via built-in safeguards to help prevent the energy from transferring to device users.
The processability of the bio-based LNP ELCRIN EXL7414B copolymer resin enables ultra-thin part designs that save weight and space, and offers opportunities for shorter cycle times and higher throughput vs standard PC. The new material also provides low-temperature ductility (-40?) for impact strength when a device is dropped, and good chemical resistance to withstand ultraviolet (UV)-cured painting.
Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/petrochemicals/25012022/sabic-announces-new-bio-based-polycarbonate-copolymer/
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