New BASF polyamides help keep sensitive auto electronics safe

German supplier BASF has developed a portfolio of polyamide 6 and -66 types that help prevent damage caused by electric corrosion to the circuits used in sensitive auto electronics applications like auto control devices and sensors.

The company says the various Ultramid EQ (Electronic Quality) types are extremely pure as they do not  contain electrically active or corrosive ingredients and still offer a good resistance to heat aging. They are subject to special quality control, which includes the selection of raw materials, the production process and the detection of the halogen content. 

The globally available portfolio consists of unstained and black types with a glass fibre content of 30 to 35 percent, which are also laser-markable. Ultramid EQ has already proven itself in various applications, even under critical operating conditions.

Electronic components in modern transmission control systems or safety-related applications such as airbags and antilock braking systems are becoming smaller and more complex. Often they are also exposed to high ambient temperatures and aggressive media such as oil. The delicate circuits are often connected by thin wires, called wire bond technology with semiconductors. In this constellation, disturbing effects such as corrosion, ion migration, galvanic corrosion or leakage may occur, which in extreme cases lead to the failure of the entire assembly. Plastics for housings and components shall be such that they do not react with the metals used and thus prevent failures in electronics.

BASF says all Ultramid EQ types have an organic heat stabiliser with a very low halogen content of less than 1ppm. This avoids that halogens such as iodine or bromine attack the metallic wires, ions with the metals react or unwanted electrical currents occur. In addition to the specified formula and a complex production, all lots of Ultramid are EQ scrutinised: This ensures that the material is not contaminated during the preparation with halogens.