Innovative Applications and New Development Trends of Flame-Retardant Materials (Part 1)

With the rapid advancement of technology, the complexity and safety requirements of electronic products are increasing, and flame-retardant materials play a vital role. From high-end electronic devices to everyday household appliances, from automotive electronics to environmental protection, the application scope of flame-retardant materials continues to expand, and related technologies are constantly innovating, driving the entire industry towards greater efficiency, safety, and environmental protection. This article will provide an in-depth discussion of the cutting-edge developments in flame-retardant materials and their applications across various industries.

I. Application of Flame-Retardant Materials in High-End Electronic Devices

The manufacturing of high-end electronic products places extremely stringent material performance requirements, requiring both excellent mechanical properties and high-temperature resistance while ensuring flame retardancy to meet safety standards.

For example, flame-retardant PA66. an excellent engineering plastic, is often used in core components of smartphones, such as connectors and internal brackets. This material maintains a stable structure in high-temperature environments and has a flame retardancy rating of UL94-V0. the internationally recognized standard. It perfectly meets the dual heat dissipation and safety requirements of modern smartphones' fast-charging features.

Another example is flame-retardant PBT, widely used in laptop connectors and relay housings due to its excellent electrical insulation and chemical resistance. Its performance remains unchanged even in harsh environments with long-term exposure to dust and moisture, ensuring stable and reliable circuit connections.

Furthermore, LCP (liquid crystal polymer), a representative high-performance flame-retardant material, is being used in antenna modules and microelectronic components for 5G base stations. It not only meets the UL94 V-0 self-extinguishing standard but also boasts exceptional dimensional accuracy, precisely meeting the stringent material stability requirements imposed by high-frequency signal transmission. These materials share a common characteristic: targeted optimization of core properties such as flame retardancy, mechanical properties, and heat resistance, precisely matching the safety and reliability requirements of high-end electronic devices under complex operating conditions.

Even more stringent standards are adhered to in the selection of critical safety components. For example, Bakelite or FR-4 epoxy glass cloth is commonly used for insulating support members in circuit boards. These materials, with their excellent insulation properties and mechanical strength, ensure that electronic devices are protected from short circuits and other safety hazards during operation. For components with extremely high fire resistance requirements, plastics meeting the UL94 V-0 flame retardancy rating are often selected. This flame retardancy rating has become an internationally recognized safety standard.

II. The Important Role of Material Certification Systems

Material certification systems provide a crucial reference for consumers to identify high-quality electronic products. Currently, internationally recognized certification systems include UL (US), CE (Europe), and CCC (China). These certification systems rigorously test and evaluate the materials used in electronic products from various perspectives to ensure compliance with relevant standards in terms of safety and environmental performance.

For electronic components that frequently come into contact with the human body, such as headphones and wearable devices, material biocompatibility is a key concern for consumers. Medical-grade PP (polypropylene) is the preferred material for these products because it complies with ISO 10993 biocompatibility standards, is non-toxic, and is resistant to high temperatures, ensuring healthy and safe use for consumers.