Dow Epoxy Avenue

Dow Resins Offer True Solution for Pb-free Electrical Laminates

The electronics industry worldwide has felt the impact of new "green" regulations coming out of the European Union, including the new lead-free regulations that impact virtually all consumer and industrial electronics applications globally.

These regulations require that solders used in producing electrical laminates be lead-free. And because the new lead-free solders require higher melting and application temperatures than existing lead-based solders, producers are now qualifying new laminate materials that can withstand the higher temperatures.

In the race to comply with new European regulations which become effective July 1, 2006, some laminate producers have qualified epoxy resins with Td values above 350°C without balancing other key performance properties and processability of the laminate material. As a result, these producers may face unexpected failures due to brittleness and poor adhesion in real world process conditions. 

"In the rush to meet the stringent new regulations, some resin producers have claimed competitive advantage by pushing Td levels beyond the necessary levels," said Hideyuki Ohnishi, global marketing manager for Dow Epoxy. "Unfortunately, the loss of toughness that occurs at these Td levels may lead to laminate failure in fabrication and in use. We are recommending a more logical and balanced approach which will meet the regulations yet retain key performance properties."

Broad Dow product portfolio provides objectivity
Because Dow Epoxy offers resins at all levels of Td, customers can be assured of objective resin recommendations well-suited to their applications and processes.

"We have an offering for lead-free laminates at every level of Td and Tg, and the expertise to recommend the right resin for the customer's application," said Marco Barsacchi, technical leader. "We also offer bromine-free resins for halogen-free applications which also meet all the lead-free requirements."

Dow offers its portfolio of laminate resins as both pre-formulated systems and as neat resin.
 
"A better understanding of the value chain and closer dialogue with our customers allow us to develop products which not only address immediate needs, but also solutions to emerging needs which have not even surfaced yet," said Ohnishi.

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