FRX Polymers Inc. and Shengyi Technology Co. Develop New Low Dielectric Loss Copper Clad Laminate Formulation for Printed Circuit Boards
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CHELMSFORD, Mass. – FRX Polymers, Inc. (FRX), the global leader in polymeric halogen-free flame retardant solutions, and China’s Shengyi Technology Company, have jointly developed a new copper clad laminate (CCL) product with greatly improved dielectric properties compared to current commercial halogen-free systems in the market today. The new CCL, based on FRX Polymers’ Nofia FR hardener system, is in the low loss region (0.005 – 0.010) with accompanying low dielectric constant. The breakthrough technology was unveiled in a joint technical paper presented at the IPC Expo in Las Vegas on March 16. The new CCL technology utilizes FRX Polymer’s Nofia flame retardant hardener and is expected to find initial applications in the smart phone and server segments of the printed circuit board market.
In addition to its excellent electrical properties, the product also has high modulus, very low coefficient of thermal expansion, very good peel strength, outstanding pressure cooker resistance, and a strong UL 94 V-0 rating in the flammability test. This game-changing development is the result of a strong collaborative effort between the RD teams at Shengyi and FRX over the last two years.
“We are proud to have worked with Shengyi Technology on this important development,” said Marc-André Lebel, President and CEO of FRX Polymers. Shengyi Technology is a world-class producer of CCLs with state-of-the-art manufacturing and RD capabilities, according to Lebel. The FRX Polymers’ R&D team was led by Dr. Lawino Kagumba, who worked closely with Shengyi Technology’s team. “The breakthrough product sprung from a remarkable, results-driven collaboration between Shengyi and FRX,” said Lebel.
Nofia phosphonates, FRX Polymers’ polymeric halogen-free flame retardant solution, replace halogenated flame retardants, which are being phased out due to toxicity concerns. Nofia products have undergone extensive toxicology testing, received a favorable toxicological profile, and have consequently been registered globally. They are produced using sustainable green chemistry principles such as a solvent-free production process, no waste by-products, and near 100% atom efficiency. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2014 recognized FRX with the Environmental Merit Award citing FRX as an example of an innovative New England company making a real difference by making products that reduce risks to human health and reduce environmental damage while simultaneously delivering fire safety. FRX was also awarded the Belgian Business Award for the Environment earlier this year.
Shengyi Technology Company is a global leader in the CCL market and has recently been honored with the prestigious Peter Sarmanian Corporate Recognition Award by the IPC, the industry association for printed circuit board and electronics manufacturing. The award recognizes companies in the printed circuit board Industry who have made outstanding contributions in advancing the industry while simultaneously supporting the IPC with talented resources in its technical and management programs. Past honorees include Honeywell, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, TTM Technologies, and DuPont.
About FRX Polymers
FRX Polymers, Inc. is the global leader in halogen-free polymeric flame retardant solutions, marketed under the Nofia brand name. Nofia polymers and oligomers are inherently transparent, high flowing, and due to their high phosphorus content, are inherently flame retardant. These environmentally friendly FR solutions are targeted for use in electronics, textiles, building and construction, and transportation applications. Founded in 2007, FRX Polymers operates a pilot plant at its headquarters in Chelmsford, Mass. and a full-scale commercial plant in Antwerp, Belgium. For more information about its products, visit http://www.frxpolymers.com/.
About Shengyi Technology Company
Based in Dongguan since 1985, Shengyi Technology Co., Ltd. (formerly known as Guangdong Shengyi Sci. Tech Co., Ltd.), a public company, is joint-ventured by AVA International Ltd. (formerly known as Mica-AVA (Far East) International Limited), Dongguan Electronic Industry General Company and Guangdong Foreign Trade Imp. & Exp. Corporation. Shengyi manufactures FR-4, CEM-1, CEM-3 and Prepreg. Shengyi’s products are mainly used for making single-sided, double-sided and multilayer printed circuit boards, which are widely applied in mobile phone, automotive, telecommunication equipment, computers, and higher-level electrical products. As the largest copper clad laminate company in mainland China, Shengyi has abundant technical resources and develops many kinds of high-tech products at the internationally advanced level. Shengyi is the only copper clad laminate enterprise in China with a national research and development center. Shengyi’s products have been approved by many well-known enterprises worldwide. Products are exported to numerous countries and regions, such as the U.S., Europe, Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea. As the international manufacturing center has transferred to China, market competition has become more and more fierce. Even against such a background, Shengyi’s sales volume has always been No. 1 in mainland China. For more information, visit http://www.syst.com.cn/en.
