Electronic Components

In the relatively short time since the invention of the transistor, electronic devices have become pervasive, with solid state circuitry in automobiles, appliances, industrial measurement and control equipment, aerospace and military hardware, communications equipment, business machines, and audio and video components, to make a partial list.

The vast range of electronic equipment continues to grow and places a wide variety of demands on the materials used in its construction, among them requirements for light weight, compact dimensions and portability, as well as desirable electrical, mechanical and processing properties. Helping to meet these demands are Ticona’s high performance polymers including Celanex® polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), Vectra® liquid crystal polymer (LCP) and Fortron® polyphenylene sulfide (PPS).

Where reflow soldering is not used, connectors, sockets and DIP switches can be made effectively and economically from Celanex PBT. Fortron PPS and Vectra LCP are available for the higher temperatures encountered in reflow soldering, especially with the new generation of lead free solders. Its combination of superior flow, temperature resistance, mechanical properties and low shrinkage make Vectra LCP the leading material of choice for connectors and sockets. It is also used in CD and DVD players because of its vibration damping characteristics, enabling the player’s laser beam to be directed accurately. Fortron PPS is also a high-flow material and its very high temperature capabilities enable connector and socket applications where high temperature end-use exposures are expected.