LANXESS halogen-free flame retardant polyamide 6 for charging cable connectors

Latest News:In addition to applications in batteries and power systems, high-tech plastics also have great application potential in the charging infrastructure of electric vehicles, especially for wall-mounted charging stations. These wall boxes must be very secure since they are used inside buildings, such as car parks or private garages. Their material selection criteria are correspondingly much stricter. A plastic that meets these high requirements is the halogen-free flame retardant Durethan from LANXESS
BKV20FN01. This polyamide 6 compound was used by Leopold
Kostal) for the production of charging cable connectors, is a global system supplier of automotive, industrial and solar electrical and electrical contact systems. The charging cable connector is used in Kostal’s own Enector wallbox, which is available through Kostal
Solar Electric sells and is also used in wall boxes from another leading German producer of industrial connectors and charging solutions for electric vehicles.

High heat resistance

Bernhard, Technical Marketing Manager, Key Accounts, LANXESS
Dr. Helbich explained: “The key reasons for using our material in this application are its high tracking resistance and high flame retardancy based on halogen-free flame retardants. It is also easy to process and can produce relatively Parts with high surface quality.”

UL of Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Testing Facility
The 94 flammability test demonstrated the flame retardancy level of this compound. This polyamide passed the test with a maximum classification of V-0 at a test sample thickness of 0.75 mm. Since the wall box belongs to
“Unattended household appliances”, the plastics used must comply with the international standard IEC/EN 60335-1. In particular, they must demonstrate that they are flame retardant in the glow-wire test. Durethan
The BKV20FN01 passed the GWIT test at 775°C (Glow Wire Ignition Temperature, IEC
60695-2-13). tested in GWFI (Glow Wire Flammability Index, IEC
60695-2-12), the thermoplastic achieved the highest value for plastics at 960°C (0.75mm test specimen thickness).

Reduces risk of short circuits and equipment defects

Another advantage of this material is its high tracking resistance. For example, it achieved a top rating of 600 in the CTI A test (Comparative Tracking Index, IEC 60112), in a similarly designed UL
The highest level of PLC 0 (performance level category) was achieved in the 746 test. Bernhard
“This reduces the risk of short circuits and leakage defects in the wallbox,” said Dr. Helbich. “In addition, electrical and electronic components can be designed to be more compact, resulting in a smaller overall device and higher power density.”

Reinforced with 18% (by weight) short glass fibers, this polyamide 6 compound also has good strength, stiffness and toughness. As a result, the charging cable connector system is less susceptible to mechanical loads, especially during assembly. Polyamides can also be processed economically in stable injection molding processes.