SABIC Innovative Plastics introduces eco responsible comp...

SABIC Innovative Plastics introduces eco responsible computer material concepts at the 2008 Electronics Goes Green conference

With its proven, sustainable Valox iQ and Xenoy iQ™ resin technology, SABIC Innovative Plastics is sparking new ideas to help electronics manufacturers become more environmentally compliant. This material, which is derived in part from post-consumer plastic waste, has been validated in several major computer components including internal cooling fans, heat sink shrouds, connectors and external bezel covers. In addition, Flexible Noryl™ resins for electronic wiring can also enhance eco-responsibility with halogen-free flame retardance. SABIC Innovative Plastics’ investment in eco-responsible solutions provides electronics customers with new material choices that will be presented today at the 2008 Electronics Goes Green Conference.

“Valox iQ resins aren’t just good possibilities for greener electronics – they have already been used commercially in computer cooling fans,” said Hiroshi Yoshida, global market director, Electronics, SABIC Innovative Plastics. “In addition, we’re expanding the iQ portfolio to encompass other environmentally responsible materials such as Xenoy iQ™ blends of amorphous polycarbonate and semi-crystalline PBT resins, a good option for housings and bezels. As a pioneer of advanced material solutions, SABIC Innovative Plastics believes innovative products such as iQ and Flexible Noryl resins can help electronics manufacturers achieve business success.”

Valox iQ polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resins meet requirements for halogen-free parts through the use of proprietary flame-retardant technology. Further, they are derived in part from post-consumer plastic waste including polyethylene terephthalate (PET) water bottles, helping reduce the use of fossil fuels. They also cut process energy and CO2 emissions from plastics manufacturing by over 50 percent versus other plastics in the market today. In addition to helping electronics manufacturers comply with environmental regulations such as the European Union’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive, Valox iQ resins can meet optional material selection requirements in the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) that could help OEMs achieve a gold certification.

Today’s computers can gain significant eco benefits from non-halogenated, flame-retardant, Flexible Noryl resins for electronic wiring. Noryl modified polyphenylene ether (PPE) resins deliver the flexibility and processing performance of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) while adding advantages of halogen-free flame retardance, lower specific gravity and improved abrasion resistance. Flexible Noryl resins can replace PVC in a variety of applications, including power cords, SATA cables and DC cables. In addition to meeting existing regulations, such as RoHS and WEEE, the materials have certifications under UL1581specifications for 80 C, 90 C, and 105 C and are used commercially in a wide variety of cable configurations around the globe.

SABIC Innovative Plastics is presenting a poster session with Dell on Valox iQ and Xenoy iQ resins at the show.