Solvay launches high-performance PPA material for electric vehicles

Solvay is stepping up its pace to provide the automotive industry with a new generation of Amodel® polyphthalamide (PPA) materials to meet the increased performance and sustainability demands of advanced electrical and electronic applications in electric vehicles
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In the Supreme range, Amodel® PPA AE 9933 and AE 9950 are designed for electric motor and inverter busbars operating at 800 volts and above
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They combine best-in-class relative tracking index (CTI) ratings with high thermal cycling shock resistance from -40 to 150°C
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As a breakthrough to traditional PPA technology, they maintain their CTI for a long time even when temporarily exposed to peak temperatures above 150 °C
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The new halogen-free flame retardant Amodel® Bios HFFR R1-133 and HFFR R1-145 meet the growing trend of integrating electric motors, power electronics and gearboxes into a single integrated electric drive system
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These grades have a CTI greater than 600 volts, thermal resistance greater than 120°C, and excellent dimensional stability, enabling the design of highly compact systems using micro components
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Additionally, they offer a UL94 V0 flammability rating without the need for halogen flame retardants
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In addition to addressing safety concerns in the event of thermal runaway, the halogen-free formulation minimizes the risk of electronic corrosion
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In addition, Solvay offers Amodel® Bios AE R1-133, an electrically friendly grade developed specifically for surface mount data connectors that can be reflow soldered without blistering
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Compared to standard PPA, this material has higher impact resistance and bondline strength, enabling designers to further reduce the wall thickness of the connector, saving up to 50% of the printed board Electronic devices provide more space
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Brian Baleno, head of marketing for Solvay's transportation business, said: "Amodel® Supreme and Bios are gaining high interest from designers of electronic propulsion systems, including electronic motors, power electronics and electronic cooling pumps
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In addition to improving the performance of electric vehicle components in these systems, In addition to adding value with thermal and electrical properties, new members of the Amodel® polymer family are attracting wider interest as manufacturers seek to meet ambitious sustainability goals
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Amodel® PPA Supreme is currently considered to be the highest performing thermal and electrical performance PPA on the market, while Amodel® PPA Bios has a partially bio-based long-chain molecular structure with the highest glass quality compared to existing bio-sourced long-chain PPAs Transition temperature (Tg) and minimum global warming potential (GWP)
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As part of the company's "One Planet" sustainability commitment, Solvay has reduced Amodel® PPA's CO2 emissions by 30 percent since 2013, and has made it available at its global manufacturing facility in Augusta, Georgia.
100% renewable energy is used in PPA production
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