Victrex ® Peek(TM) Polymer Chosen for Microphone Spacer Film in Mobile Phones
Greenville, SC(July 31, 2006)-- When Ole Wolff-Seokang, the developer of Korea's first condenser microphone for mobile phones, began producing microphones using Surface Mounted Device (SMD) methods, it switched to VICTREX® PEEK(TM) polymer for the microphone's spacer film because of its superior temperature resistance and dielectric constant.
According to Andrew Ragan, Product Manager, Victrex USA, Inc., "During SMD processing, the microphones are attached to a board while going through re-flow. This process requires them to withstand very high temperatures. Previously, the company used PET for the spacer material but, because PET has lower heat resistance, it caused the microphones to melt and deform." To solve the problem, Ole Wolff-Seokang tested a number of alternative materials with higher heat resistance. "With a melt temperature of 343°C (649°F), VICTREX PEEK polymer met all the requirements," says Ragan. "Not only does it offer higher heat resistance, but also electrical reliability, chemical resistance and outstanding physical properties."
VICTREX PEEK film is used to coat the spacer, which is a washer-like shaped component. The thickness of the spacer between a diaphragm and a fixed electrode is 25 microns, creating an insulating space among components inside the microphone circuits where the spacer is used. This distance determines the capacitance between the diaphragm and the fixed electrode. "SMD-type microphones are twice as expensive as common solder-type microphones," adds Ragan. "For a company to be competitive in the market depends on how much cheaper it can manufacture the microphones because manufacturing costs are excessively high. By using VICTREX PEEK film for the spacers, Ole Wolff-Seokang is able to cost effectively produce its SMD microphones." The company currently produces 3 to 4 million microphones a month. The microphones are also used in PDAs, MP3 players and hands-free devices.
VICTREX USA Inc., a division of Victrex plc., is the sole manufacturer and supplier of PEEK polymer worldwide. For more information on the properties and performance advantages of VICTREX PEEK polymer, please call (800) VICTREX or visit the Victrex website at www.victrex.com.
