Samuel A. Ogoe

‘Go with the flow!’: Advantages of high melt flow rate ignition resistant polycarbonate versus IR PC/ABS blends

Abstract Polycarbonate (PC) has some inherent ignition resistant (IR) characteristics with good physical and mechanical properties. However, polycarbonate resins are not as easily processed as some styrenic materials, due to the high viscosity of PC. Extensive studies have been performed to develop an easy flow (high MFR) ignition resistant polycarbonate (IR PC) resin rated UL-94 of V-0 down to 1.6mm (0.0625 in) thickness and 5V down to 3.2mm (0.125 in) thickness. This unique high MFR polycarbonate resin contains reduced levels of IR additives, in comparison to standard IR polycarbonate resins, which help to maintain the physical and mechanical properties of the polycarbonate base resin, without sacrificing the flammability properties of the final product. Using a high MFR polycarbonate resin improves processability and minimizes possible thermal degradation resulting in improvement of overall processing performance and cost.