Enhanced Flowability, User-Friendly Processing, and Vibrant Color Options with BASF's Ultramid T6000 Polyamide
BASF, a global chemical company, has introduced Ultramid® T6000, a high-temperature polyamide designed specifically for electric and electronics (E&E) applications. This new product offers several key advantages over standard polyamide 66 (PA66), making it ideal for complex, high-performance E&E parts that must withstand heat, moisture, and high electrical voltage reliably.
Superior Properties for E&E Applications
Ultramid® T6000 boasts superior mechanical and dielectric properties compared to PA66, particularly under conditions of humidity and elevated temperatures. It also has lower moisture absorption, providing better dimensional stability than PA66 and closing the performance gap towards BASF’s polyphthalamide (PPA) products. Additionally, the polymer exhibits good colorability, allowing production of compounds in various white shades as well as durable orange and grey colors.
Ideal for Complex E&E Components
These properties make Ultramid® T6000 particularly suitable for complex, high-performance E&E parts. Applications include small and color-stable electrical/electronics components where the strength and stiffness of PA66 are insufficient, enabling enhanced performance and durability in challenging conditions typical for automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics sectors.
Support for Customers
BASF supports customers with technical tools and services such as computer-aided engineering (Ultrasim®), fire and materials testing, and global technical support to optimize product development using Ultramid® T6000 and other high-performance plastics.
The BASF Polyphthalamide Portfolio
BASF's polyphthalamide portfolio consists of 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). Some compounds in the portfolio are reinforced with short-glass or mineral fiber, and some are formulated with flame retardants.
The portfolio offers various heat stabilizers for the compounds and includes more than 50 compounded grades for injection molding and extrusion. However, it's worth noting that the portfolio does not explicitly mention lower moisture absorption, good dimensional stability, easy processing at low mold temperatures, or suitability for producing small and complex E&E components like high-voltage connectors and miniature circuit breakers.
Flame-Retardant Grades of Ultramid T6000
The flame-retardant grades of Ultramid T6000 are equipped with a non-halogenated flame retardant. UL cards for these new polyamides show outstanding flame-retardant values, with Ultramid T6340G6 having a V-0 rating at 0.4 mm and a high CTI (Comparative Tracking Index) of 600.
Ultramid T6000 in High-Voltage Connectors for EVs
Ultramid T6000 is suitable for producing small and complex E&E components such as high-voltage connectors for electric vehicles (EVs). Ultramid T6340 G6, a specific grade of Ultramid T6000, can be used in high-voltage connectors for EVs to provide a safe and reliable connection between battery and inverter or between power distribution and e-motor, even at elevated temperatures.
In conclusion, Ultramid® T6000 is a high-performance polyamide that offers several advantages for electric and electronics applications, particularly in complex, high-performance parts that must withstand heat, moisture, and high electrical voltage reliably. Its lower moisture absorption, superior mechanical and dielectric properties, and good colorability make it an attractive choice for customers in the automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics sectors.
In the context of contemporary industry, Ultramid® T6000's application in electronics (E&E) sectors like automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics is due to its superior properties, such as lower moisture absorption, better dimensional stability, and excellent colorability, which provide a solution for complex, high-performance parts that requires heat, moisture, and high electrical voltage resistance. This polyamide also exhibits outstanding flame-retardant values and can be utilized in high-voltage connectors for electric vehicles (EVs), demonstrating its suitability in the intricate world of finance and technology.
