Specialty PC-Based Copolymer Boasts Superior Flame Retardance for Ultra-Thin Parts
Smartphone manufacturer Realme meets safety standard for consumer electronic devices with SABIC’s LNP Elcres EXL
A specialty PC-based copolymer with reportedly superior flame retardance, excellent flow for thin-wall molding, ductility to resist damage from drops, and good chemical resistance to withstand UV-cured painting is featured in a new smartphone launched in March 2021 by Chinese smartphone manufacturer Realme.
SABIC’s LNP Elcres EXL 7414 PC copolymer was selected by Realme for the battery enclosure of its C25 phone to achieve UL 94 V0 FR compliance at 0.6mm, addressing the International Electrotechnical Commission’s new IEC 62368-1 safety standard for consumer electronics.
The international, harmonized IEC 62368-1 standard replaces the previous IEC 60065 Audio Video and IEC 60950 IT Equipment standards, strengthening safety requirements. For example, this new standard, which took effect in December 2020, requires hazardous energy sources such as lithium-ion batteries to be contained via built-in safeguards to help prevent the energy from transferring to device users.
The Realme C25 smartphone features a fast-charging, high powered 6000mAH lithium-ion battery. To contain this powerful battery, the company uses an injection-molded cover made of SABIC’s LNP Elcres EXL7414 copolymer resin. In alignment with the industry’s continued focus on miniaturization, the C25 phone was designed to be thin (approximately 9.6mm) and light (approximately 209 grams).
To help reduce product weight and maximize space for internal components, Realme wanted an ultra-thin-wall battery cover that could still comply with the IEC standard. The company was the first consumer electronics brand to adopt Elcres EXL7414 resin. This PC-based copolymer material replaces standard PC and provides superior FR capability defined as UL 94 V0 at 0.6mm. As part of its safety value, LNP Elcres EXL7414 resin uses a non-chlorinated, non-brominated FR formulation.
In addition to supporting ultra-thin-wall designs, the excellent flowability of Elcres EXL7414 PC copolymer has been shown to offer opportunities for shorter cycle times and higher throughput vs. standard PC. This material also provides excellent low-temperature ductility (-40℃) for resilience when dropped, and good chemical resistance to secondary painting. It is available worldwide in a wide range of opaque colors.
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