BASF India : Safe connectors for safe household appliances

• New Ultramidflame-retardant grade particularly suitable for use in household appliances
• Passes glow-wire test without flame (GWIT) at 800 degrees Celsius (1 mm)

Ultramid B3U50G6, a flame-retardant and glass-fiber reinforced polyamide (PA 6), is the latest addition to BASF's plastics portfolio. The light-colorable grade reliably meets the household appliance standard IEC 60335-1 (glow-wire test, GWIT 800°C at 1 millimeter) and provides a particularly high flowability. The new flame retardant­ system used in Ultramid B3U50G6 is not halogen-based and contains no antimony compounds. This allows to achieve good values with regard to smoke density and smoke toxicity as well as to comply with WEEE and ROHS directives.

The new grade is particularly suitable for use in connectors and program switches in unattended household appliances. The household appliance standard IEC 60335-1 raised the requirements placed on plastics to be used in electrical components of unattended household appliances. These include primarily washing machines, dishwashers, tumble dryers as well as stoves and ovens, but also smaller devices fitted with a timer function such as coffee makers.

Ultramid B3U50G6, which is 30 percent glass-fiber reinforced, achieves the classification V0 (according to UL94) starting at a thickness of 0.8 millimeters. The CTI (Comparative Tracking Index, tracking resistance, IEC 60112) is at 500 V and allows narrow creeping distances between two contacts. Ultramid B3U50G6 also boasts excellent mechanical properties and is laser-printable when colored in black. The plastic is available right now in commercial quantities; the yellow card has been requested from UL.

Further information about the Ultramid (PA) materials from BASF can be obtained by e-mailing Ultraplaste.infopoint@basf.com or calling +49 (0) 621 60-78780.

Ultramid on the internet: www.ultramid.de

About BASF's Performance Materials Division
BASF's Performance Materials division encompasses the entire materials know-how of BASF regarding innovative, customized plastics under one roof. Globally active in four major industry sectors - transportation, construction, industrial applications and consumer goods - the division has a strong portfolio of products and services combined with a deep understanding of application-oriented system solutions. Key drivers of profitability and growth are our close collaboration with customers and a clear focus on solutions. Strong capabilities in R&D provide the basis to develop innovative products and applications. In 2015, the Performance Materials division achieved global sales of € 6.7 bn. More information online: www.performance-materials.basf.com

About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 112,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of more than €70 billion in 2015. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information at www.basf.com