GREAT LAKES OFFERS FLAME RETARDANT SOLUTION FOR LEAD-FREE SOLDER SYSTEMS USED IN THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY

DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY – Great Lakes Chemical Corporation (NYSE:GLK) today announced that tests using its Firemaster® CP-44HF di-bromostyrene flame retardant in electronics applications show superior results in lead-free solder systems to be introduced by the industry in 2006.

The European Union Reduction of Hazardous substances (RoHS) directive will take effect in 2006 mandating that electronics manufacturers switch to lead-free solder systems. Lead-free solder systems typically run at temperatures between 30°C to 50°C higher than traditional lead systems, forcing manufacturers to use internal components with higher thermal stability. Traditional flame retardants such as brominated polystyrene are less effective at increased temperatures because they do not distribute evenly throughout the polymer. Rather, these flame retardants cluster in ‘flame retardant domains’, where moisture can collect and expand when exposed to higher temperatures. Such heat exposure causes the polymer to separate and form blisters on the surface of components.

Firemaster CP-44HF flame retardant, originally developed in 2003 to provide much-needed improvement in thermal properties due to the continued miniaturization of parts, is a co-polymer of di- and tri-bromostyrene with glycidil methacrylate, which allows it to overcome the manufacturing difficulties associated with brominated polystyrene flame retardants in lead-free solder systems. Firemaster CP-44HF adds extra functionality that allows for greater bonding and compatibility of the flame retardant with the host resin. Tests have shown that compatibility improves blister resistance, by eliminating the flame retardant domain in the polymer matrix, making Firemaster CP-44HF the perfect fit for the new lead-free solder systems. In addition, Firemaster CP-44HF, available in pellet form for ease of handling, offers excellent flow for better processability, increased efficiency with flame retardant synergists, and outstanding cost performance.

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