Clariant: new colours for high temperature resins

Clariant has announced the availability of colour masterbatches for use in producing new FAKRA high-speed data connectors for next-generation automobiles.

The new masterbatches, available in 14 standard colours, were developed by Clariant in co-operation with major global polymer producers.

UL-Yellow Card-listed, change-controlled, and available globally, the colour concentrates help ensure performance and stability in high-temperature engineering plastics – including Nylon 66, PBT and PPA.

The connectors are colour coded so faithful reproduction of the standard hues is essential. Additionally, they must tolerate the thermal stresses of injection moulding and lead-free hot-air reflow soldering during assembly, as well as long-term mechanical and weathering stresses.

Peter Dufour, Global Segment Head and Business Development for Consumer Electronics, Electricals and Electronics at Clariant Masterbatches, said: “Clariant Masterbatches is one of the few companies that have the experience, knowledge and global capabilities to deliver a complete masterbatch solution. When mixed with natural resin, these new masterbatches produce materials that not only meet FAKRA standards for colour, mechanical properties, and melt flow, but also meet UL94 flammability resistance requirements without the use of halogens or SVHCs (Substances of Very High Concern), either UL94 HB or V-0 rated.

“The market for FAKRA-compliant coloured resins is in flux, with connector makers seeking reliable, colour-stable supplies but in relatively low quantities. Moulders are typically not yet able to commit to the large volumes that resin makers supply, especially in the initial stages of production or for the smaller colours’ production. Clariant’s masterbatches enable the creation of colour-stable ‘natural plus masterbatch’ resin mixes of any volume, with any of a range of high-temperature engineering polymers, and in any of the 14 FAKRA standard colours.”

Connectors are made with HTRs because their coaxial circuits are often bonded to printed circuit boards using lead-free reflow soldering at peak temperatures of 260°C (500°F).

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