Light emitting diode (LED) retrofit lighting will enjoy optimised performance, lifespan and aesthetics thanks to a new portfolio of speciality resins and compounds launched by Sabic Innovative Plastics.

The new materials include non-brominated, non-chlorinated flame-retardant (FR) Lexan polycarbonate (PC) resin and new white LNP Konduit thermally conductive compound for LED heat sinks, which adds style to outstanding heat dissipation for extended bulb life.

“As the global movement to replace inefficient incandescent bulbs gains momentum, consumers are looking for durable, energy-efficient replacements that can provide similar – if not better – aesthetics at an affordable price,” said Hans-Otto Schlothauer, global product marketing manager, lighting, Sabic Innovative Plastics. “Our Lexan FR and LNP Konduit technologies enable the design of stylish and attractive LED retrofit lighting while helping to reduce system costs. Equally important, our materials have their own, inherent sustainability benefits that add to the overall environmental value of LEDs.”

Many choices
To meet surging demand for new materials that enable cost-effective, thin-wall LED retrofit bulbs, the company developed Lexan FR resins for diffusion applications and transparent lighting. These resins meet the UL94 V0 standard at gauges as thin as 1.5 mm. They provide flame retardance without the use of brominated or chlorinated additives, helping to ensure regulatory compliance.

In addition to a transparent grade, Lexan FR resins are available in two standard diffusion grades that provide high light transmission with hiding power for a softer look. Colours include two standard shades of white as well as natural; however, custom colours and custom diffusion levels can be provided to meet specific requirements.

LNP Konduit

These resins feature the renowned impact resistance, optical quality and processability of Lexan PC resin, as well as ultraviolet (UV) and thermal stability. They are appropriate for injection moulding and extrusion applications, including spotlights, bulbs and tubes.

Konduit compound
Heat sinks are essential for dissipating heat that can detract from an LED’s optimal useful life of 50,000 hours. Traditionally, they have been made from aluminium or black or gray conductive resins. To meet consumer demands for more attractive LED lighting designs, LNP Konduit compound is now available in white to coordinate with white and coloured bulbs. In addition to superior thermal conductivity, this material offers cost and design benefits. LNP Konduit compound boosts productivity compared to die-cast aluminium, which requires secondary operations. It also offers greater design freedom, including the ability to create shapes with greater surface area for improved thermal management.