(PlastEurope) -- Bayer MaterialScience
has developed a flame-retardant PC/ABS blend for use in applications in
extremely warm, humid environments. “Bayblend” FR 3008 HR (hydrolysis resistant)
was developed in cooperation with the dishwasher product area of BSH Bosch and
Siemens and is used to protect electronic parts in the latest generation of its
dishwashers. In aging tests, the material remained resistant to hydrolytic
molecular degradation after being stored in an 80 °C water bath in constant
contact with steam for 60 days. The yield stress of the blend showed virtually
no change throughout the storage period and the material remained resistant to
chemicals, BMS said.
In order to recreate the stress on the blend during a washing cycle as
accurately as possible, in addition to being subjected to pure steam, they were
also exposed to common additives such as detergents and rinse aids and to
simulated fatty deposits. To ensure reliable operation in the long term, the
material had to undergo numerous other tests on its properties, including
mechanical thermal aging, dimensional stability, chemical resistance and
moisture absorption, long-term heat resistance, glow wire tests and assessments
of optical quality characteristics based on colour stability.
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