Chinaplas 2023: Tailored Ultramid^® Advanced N for IGBT semi-conductors to enable high-performance power electronics

• BASF PPA combines outstanding thermal stability with low water uptake, excellent insulation properties and high CTI
• For energy-efficient and reliable power management in electrical components for e-mobility, renewable energy production and smart manufacturing
• BASF at CHINAPLAS 2023: hall 17, booth no. 17F71; Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center, China

To enable smart technology and miniaturization in power electronics, BASF is now offering a polyphthalamide (PPA) that is especially suited for manufacturing housings of IGBT (insulated-gate bipolar transistor) semi-conductors. The laser sensitive Ultramid^® Advanced N3U41 G6 LS, a flame retardant, non-halogenated compound, combines high thermal stability with low water uptake and excellent electrical properties. It is characterized by a high CTI (CTI=Comparative Tracking Index) of >600V, which supports miniaturization of IGBTs by lower creepage distance and better insulation than materials so far used for these power switches.

Due to its outstanding chemical resistance and dimensional stability, the Ultramid^® Advanced N grade enhances the robustness, long-term performance and reliability of IGBTs in electric vehicles, high-speed railways, solar and wind energy as well as smart manufacturing. It meets growing customer needs for energy saving, weight reduction and application downsizing.

An IGBT functions as a fast and efficient switch in high-power electrical circuits. IGBTs can be assembled as modules, enabling electrical applications which are characterized by an increase in voltage and current while becoming more compact. To work in these challenging conditions, materials must possess superior electrical insulation, robust flame retardancy, exact dimensional stability and long-term durability against heat and moisture: Ultramid^® Advanced N is ideally suited to meet these challenges as it is optimized to withstand increasing temperatures and higher currents while maintaining its mechanical strength. It protects the semi-conductors against mechanical and environmental stress like humidity, dust and dirt.

The UL-certified grade shows an excellent electrical RTI (Relative Thermal Index) value of 150°C. Additionally, it does not contain corrosive ingredients like halogens and so helps to avoid the risk for contact corrosion. As far as manufacturing of IGBTs is concerned, the BASF PPA is compatible with potting materials used to assemble the semi-conductors after injection molding with metal pins and clamps.

About Ultramid^® Advanced

BASF’s polyphthalamide portfolio is based on the six polymers Ultramid^® Advanced N (PA9T), Ultramid^® Advanced T1000 (PA6T/6I), Ultramid^® Advanced T2000 (PA6T/66), Ultramid^® T KR (PA6T/6), Ultramid^® One J (PA66/6T) and Ultramid^® D3 (PA/PPA). They open the door to the next generation of lightweight, high-performance plastic components in many different sectors including the automotive industry, electronics and electric devices, mechanical engineering and consumer goods. The PPA portfolio is available globally and complemented by BASF’s Ultrasim^® simulation tool and extensive experience in application development. It includes more than 50 compounded grades for injection molding and extrusion, products with or without flame retardants. The compounds are available in different colors, from colorless to laser-markable black, with short-glass, long-glass or mineral fiber reinforcement, and with various heat stabilizers.

Further information: www.ppa.basf.com

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About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €87.3 billion in 2022. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.