SABIC Introduces New LNP™ THERMOCOMP™ Compounds Superior Warpage Control and Laser Welding Capabilities Help Increase Design Freedom

With the deepening of urbanization and the increasing application of autonomous driving technology and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), automakers and component suppliers are actively seeking advanced high-performance materials to optimize high frequencies (>75 GHz) Performance of millimeter-wave (mmWave) radar devices
.
To meet this need, SABIC has developed two new materials for the front and rear covers of next-generation radar units: LNP™ THERMOCOMP™ WFC06I and WFC06IXP compounds
.
The two glass fiber reinforced polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) grades have extremely low dissipation factor (Df) and dielectric constant (Dk), helping to support higher frequency radar signal transmission
.
Additionally, they feature ultra-low warpage, allowing designers to create thinner covers for improved signal transmission
.
These two new SABIC products also support high-speed, high-precision laser welding to improve the assembly efficiency of radar devices
.
Among the PBT materials currently on the market, LNP THERMOCOMP WFC06I modified material has very excellent laser transmission properties
.

Zhao Fanli, business director of LNP and NORYL, SABIC's Specialty Materials Division, said: "To ease traffic congestion and ensure traffic safety in expanding urban areas, the automotive industry is accelerating technology research and development.
Among them, ADAS technology continues to make breakthroughs
.
SABIC is actively developing new materials to help ADAS designers achieve the goals of reducing weight, improving signal transmission accuracy, enhancing reliability, and seamlessly integrating with vehicles
.
We work closely with various companies in the ADAS industry chain to meet the stringent and changing requirements of customers, And provide tailored high-performance material solutions to help them meet these challenges
.
”

Improve radar image resolution

Many ADAS designers are adopting higher frequency millimeter-wave radar technology because of its improved image resolution and greater detection range, which can ensure driving safety in a variety of conditions
.
However, the 76-81GHz band places higher demands on signal transmission than low-frequency technologies
.
To improve wave transmission, radomes need to have very low dissipation factor (Df) and dielectric constant (Dk), thinner outer walls, and a minimalist design with no support structure
.
Existing glass-filled PBT materials often fail to meet these transmission optimization requirements
.
For example, their Df is generally greater than 0.
01
.
Additionally, as semi-crystalline polymers, they have a greater tendency to warp when used in thin-walled parts without a support structure, potentially leading to part failure during assembly, shipping, and use
.

SABIC's new LNP THERMOCOMP compound outperforms existing PBT compounds in Df/Dk performance and warpage control, and reduces attenuation of electromagnetic waves passing through the radome, helping to improve image resolution and detection range
.
They also enhance the transmission rate and minimize the side cone of the signal beam to improve image quality
.
In addition, the new LNP THERMOCOMP compound has higher ductility, can improve the impact resistance of the front and rear covers of radar devices, and has moisture and chemical resistance comparable to existing PBT materials
.

Support laser welding

Laser welding is a fast, efficient welding process that helps increase production
.
Laser welding of plastic parts offers a number of advantages, such as the production of miniaturized and highly complex parts, and the elimination of consumables such as adhesives and fasteners
.
Precise, strong soldering protects sensitive electronics from dust and moisture
.

SABIC's LNP THERMOCOMP WFC06I compound for radomes has a laser transmission rate of over 60%, which is 20% higher than the nearest competitor
.
Customers can take advantage of its wide laser window and low laser power to increase potential yield
.
Another new grade, LNP THERMOCOMP WFC06IXP modified material, can be used as an absorber layer for laser welding
.

Wang Qin, Asia Pacific Formulation and Application Director of SABIC's Specialty Materials Division, said: "To fully realize the potential of automotive radar in assisted driving and autonomous driving, it is necessary to improve design, improve performance and production efficiency
.
SABIC will continue to make achievements in materials science.
A breakthrough, dedicated to solving customers' challenges in optimizing ADAS design
.
Our new glass-filled PBT compounds can help customers apply new technologies such as millimeter-wave radar to enhance their product functions and contribute to the development of ADAS technology
.
"