TARFLON™ (polycarbonate resin), TARFLON NEO™ (siloxane copolymer polycarbonate)

What is polycarbonate (PC) resin?

Idemitsu Kosan has been researching polycarbonate since 1957. As a result, in 1969, we established the world's first proprietary continuous solution process manufacturing technology and began commercial production of "TARFLON™".
To further strengthen its competitiveness, the company licensed this proprietary manufacturing technology to Formosa Chemicals & Fibre Corporation of Taiwan, and consolidated production there in 2015.
Our company has developed copolymerization technology that utilizes our unique manufacturing technology. ^*1 and the compound technology we have developed so far. ^*2 We are focusing on the development and sales of siloxane copolymer PC resin (" TARFLON NEO™"), which utilizes these properties to further improve the low-temperature impact strength and weather resistance for outdoor use of PC resin, as well as optical grade products for use in light guide plates for LCD backlight units, diffusion covers for LED lighting, optical lenses, and automotive lighting (DRL; Daytime Running Light).

1. Copolymerization Technology
A technique for combining two or more types of molecules to produce larger compounds.
2. Compound Technology
A technology that improves functionality by mixing other materials such as pigments and additives into the raw resin.

Features of TARFLON™

PC Resin TARFLON™ is an engineering plastic that has high transparency, self-extinguishing properties, and the highest impact resistance of any plastic.
It is used in a wide variety of fields, including optical discs, motorcycle windshields, helmets and helmet shields, roofing materials for carports and arcades, soundproofing panels on highways, and automobile headlights.

Impact resistance

Outstanding impact resistance among plastics
High impact strength enough to be used as bulletproof material

transparency

Excellent transparency, suitable for a wide range of optical applications
Visible light transmittance of general-purpose transparent grade is 85-90%

Dimensional accuracy

Precise molding possible
Low molding shrinkage rate and excellent dimensional stability of molded products

Heat-resistant

Can be used under a wide range of temperature conditions (-40℃ to +120℃)
Can be used from refrigerator to microwave

self-extinguishing

General grade with no added flame retardants, demonstrating flame retardancy under the same test conditions as the UL94 V-2 standard.
Suitable for a wide range of fields that require flame retardancy, such as the architectural field, electrical and electronic fields, etc.

Electrical properties

Excellent properties such as dielectric breakdown voltage

List of major grades TARFLON™

Grade classification		grade name
natural	ultra high flow	IR1700
	high flow	A1900, IR1900, IV1900R
	standard	A2200, IR2200, IV2200R
	medium viscosity	IR2500
Siloxane copolymerization	transparent	RC1760, RC2260, RC2031
	Transparent/weatherproof	VC1760, VC2260
	Translucent/basic	AG1950, AG2240, AG2530, AG2030
	Translucent/proof	VG1950
	flame retardant	ZG1950
	Flame retardant/marine resistant	ZG1951V
	GF reinforcement	GG1920
Optical system (LCD, LED lighting applications)	light guide	LC1500 PURE, LC1508 PURE, LC1501 PURE, LC1402 PURE, LC1202 PURE, LC1700 PURE
	light diffusion	R1700(W3204ENU), V1700R(W3026E), V1700R(W3032E), LZ2500V(S0086E), LZ2510V(W1070ED)
	Reflection/shading	URC2500, URC2501, URZ2500, URZ2501
	Weatherproof/high transparency	LEV1700KL, LEV2200KL
Optical system (vehicle lighting applications)	light guide	LC1500, LC1700
Optical system (vehicle lighting applications)	light diffusion	R1700(W3204ENU), V1700R(W3026E), V1700R(W3032E)
PC flame retardant	Transparent 1.5V-0	AZ1900T
	Transparent 3.0V-0	RY1900, RY2200, IRY2200, VRY2200, IVY2200R
	Transparent V-2	RE1900
	Opacity	AZ1900, AZ2201
	flame retardant free	AC1030, AC1080
	Phosphorous flame retardant	AK3020, DK3722
Glass fiber reinforced PC	basic	G1910, G1920, G1930
	Non-bromine non-phosphorus flame retardant V-0	GZ2510, GZ2520, GZ2530, GZ2540
	Phosphorous flame retardant V-0	GGK1740
Alloy flame retardant	high flow	SK2706, SK2708
Alloy flame retardant	High rigidity	SK3730
Alloy type	Plating property	SC-253
Alloy type	Chemical resistance/high strength	SC-300, SC-420
Special	sliding	AL-0002, AL-0010, AFL-1505

Features of TARFLON NEO™ (Si-PC)

We focused on copolymerization technology, which polymerizes modifying components during the polymerization process of PC resin, and after much technological development, we completed the siloxane copolymer polycarbonate (Si-PC) "TARFLON NEO™".

Resin products are used in a variety of environments, such as having their surfaces painted, being used outdoors, coming into contact with disinfectants, and being mixed with glass fibers to improve performance. Resin products break when subjected to a variety of loads, both visible and invisible, in these environments, causing cracks ^*3 to form and progress.
Since the copolymerized siloxane blocks in TARFLON NEO™ prevent cracks from progressing, it is expected to be used in a variety of applications that were not possible with conventional PC resins.

How TARFLON NEO™ (Si-PC) works

TARFLON NEO™ incorporates siloxane components, which are highly mobile and flexible even at low temperatures, into the polycarbonate molecular chain through chemical bonds.

By copolymerizing siloxane, which is highly mobile and flexible even at this low temperature, we have created a material with "lower notch ^*4 sensitivity" and "crack resistance" than conventional PC resins.

3. Crack
Cracks, cracks
4. Notch
V- or U-shaped notch shape. Polycarbonate is said to have high strength, but it is known that the presence of a V-notch causes a decrease in strength.

Examples of problem solving using TARFLON NEO™ (Si-PC)

TARFLON NEO™ contributes to solving the following problems:

Hard to break even in low temperature environments

Examples of applications: winter sports equipment, battery packs, smartphones, helmets
In some cases, products are made thinner to reduce costs by making them lighter. In order to avoid the deterioration of moldability that comes with thinning, a low molecular weight, high flow type PC resin may be selected.
PC resin is a material that has excellent impact strength even in low temperature environments as long as it has a certain molecular weight or higher, but its impact strength decreases in extremely low temperature environments such as -40°C.
TARFLON NEO™ is a material that has improved impact strength in cryogenic environments compared to general polycarbonate of the same molecular weight by copolymerizing siloxane, which has high mobility even in low temperature environments. It is expected to be a material suitable for reducing the weight and size of products used in low temperature environments (cold regions, low temperature warehouses, etc.).

Improved stiffness and impact strength

Examples of use: Mobile devices, computer housings, batteries
PC resin has excellent heat resistance, dimensional accuracy, and strength, and materials filled with glass fibers to increase rigidity are used in structural components such as chassis (the framework of a car) and mechanical parts.
Generally, materials filled with glass fibers, etc. have reduced impact strength. To improve the impact properties of materials filled with glass fibers, shock-absorbing components such as elastomers are added, but this does not always lead to an improvement in impact strength.
TARFLON NEO™ which is copolymerized with siloxane blocks, has improved impact absorption while maintaining the properties of PC resin, making it suitable for improving the impact properties of materials filled with glass fibers, etc.

Improved durability for outdoor use

Examples of applications: base stations, charging stations, smart meters, covers
Taking advantage of its properties such as transparency and strength, polycarbonate resin is also used for outdoor applications such as outdoor lighting covers and roofing materials for arcades and carports. However, resin products gradually deteriorate when exposed to ultraviolet rays. Generally, ultraviolet absorbents are added to delay the deterioration of resin caused by ultraviolet rays. However, once the added ultraviolet absorbent is consumed, the deterioration of the resin part progresses, causing a decrease in strength.
TARFLON NEO™ contains copolymerized siloxane, which is resistant to ultraviolet rays, and the copolymerization of siloxane makes it less susceptible to the progression of cracks caused by resin deterioration, so you can expect improved durability when used outdoors.

Improved chemical resistance

Examples of use: Home appliances, industrial materials
Even if you want to use PC resin from the standpoint of strength and appearance, there are cases where you cannot use it because of the possibility of contact with alkaline chemicals. This is because the "carbonate bond" from which the name "polycarbonate" comes, decomposes accelerated when it comes into contact with alkali, causing a decrease in strength and appearance.
TARFLON NEO™, which is copolymerized with siloxane, has been confirmed to have improved alkali resistance due to the effect of siloxane.

Prevents strength loss of painted products

Examples of use: Automotive interiors, smartphones
Resin products may be painted to improve their design. Painting is generally done by painting or spraying paint dissolved in a solvent. PC resin is a material with low solvent resistance, and the resin surface may be damaged during painting. Furthermore, due to differences in thermal expansion and hardness between the paint film and the resin, cracks may develop under the load of product use, leading to destruction.
TARFLON NEO™, which is copolymerized with siloxane, is expected to improve the strength of painted items because siloxane has the effect of suppressing the progression of cracks and its impact properties are improved compared to general PC resins.

Siloxane copolymer grade (TARFLON NEO™) physical properties table

Features				standard	standard	Weatherproof
Grade name				AG1950	AG2030	VG1950
Test items	Unit	Measurement method	(Measurement method, conditions)	>PC<	>PC<	>PC<
density	g/cm3	ISO 1183 (JIS K 7112)		1.18	1.18	1.18
Water absorption rate	％	ISO 62 (JIS K 7209)	24h 50%RH	0.2	0.2	0.2
flow characteristics
Melt volume flow rate (MVR)	^cm3 /10min	ISO 1133 (JIS K7210)		300℃ 1.20kg	300℃ 1.20kg	300℃ 1.20kg
Melt volume flow rate (MVR)	^cm3 /10min	ISO 1133 (JIS K7210)		13	9	13
Mechanical properties
Tensile (yield) strength ^*1	MPa	ISO 527-1,2 (JIS K7161, 7162)		Y60	Y58	Y60
Tensile fracture strain ^*2	％	ISO 527-1,2 (JIS K7161, 7162)		tB100	tB110	tB100
bending strength	MPa	ISO 178 (JIS K7171)		90	89	90
bending modulus	GPa	ISO 178 (JIS K7171)		2.1	2.2	2.1
Charpy impact strength	kJ/ ^m2	ISO 179-1 (JIS K7111)	With notch 23℃	72	85	72
			With notch 0℃	－	－	－
			With notch -30℃	60	65	60
			With notch -40℃	－	30	－
Izod impact strength	J/m	ASTM D256	With notch 23℃	800	850	800
			With notch 0℃	750	800	750
			With notch -30℃	650	750	650
			With notch -40℃	－	700	－
rockwell hardness	－	ISO 2039-2 (JIS K7202-2)	R scale /M scale	－	－	－
thermal properties
Load deflection temperature	℃	ISO 75-1,2 (JIS K7191-1,2)	0.45MPa	138	－	138
Load deflection temperature	℃	ISO 75-1,2 (JIS K7191-1,2)	1.8MPa	123	124	123
Linear expansion coefficient	×10^-5/℃	ISO 11359-2		7	7.0	7
Molding shrinkage rate	％	Idemitsu method	2mm MD	0.6～0.8	0.6～0.8	0.6～0.8
Molding shrinkage rate	％	Idemitsu method	2mm TD	0.6～0.8	0.6～0.8	0.6～0.8
optical properties
Total light transmittance	％	ISO 13468-1 (JIS K7361-1)		73	－	73
Flammability/UL related standards, etc.
Combustion quality	mm thickness	UL94	combustion class /Minimum thickness	V-2/0.50	V-2/0.40	V-2/0.40
Tracking resistance CTI	PLC level	UL746A		－	－	－
UV resistant and water resistant	－	UL746C		－	－	－
Electrical characteristics
Withstand voltage (Dielectric breakdown strength)	kV/mm	IEC 60243-1 (JIS C2110)		－	－	－
arc resistance	PLC level	ASTM D495		－	－	－
Volume resistivity	Ω・cm	ASTM D257		－	－	－
relative dielectric constant	－	IEC 60250	1MHz	－	－	－
Dissipation tangent	－	IEC 60250	1MHz	－	－	－
Standard molding conditions
cylinder temperature				270～310℃ (Upper limit 320℃)	270～310℃ (Upper limit 320℃)	270～310℃ (Upper limit 320℃)
mold temperature				80～110℃	80～110℃	80～120℃
Drying conditions				120℃, 5-8 hours	120℃, 5-8 hours	120℃, 5-8 hours

Features				transparent standard	transparent High impact strength	transparent High impact strength Houhou
Grade name				RC2031	RC2260	VC2260
Test items	Unit	Measurement method	(Measuring method, conditions)	>PC<	>PC<	>PC<
density	g/cm³	ISO 1183 (JIS K 7112)		1.18	1.18	1.18
Water absorption rate	％	ISO 62 (JIS K 7209)	24h 50%RH	0.2	0.2	0.2
flow characteristics
Melt volume flow rate (MVR)	^cm3 /10min	ISO 1133 (JIS K7210)		300℃ 1.20kg	300℃ 1.20kg	300℃ 1.20kg
Melt volume flow rate (MVR)	^cm3 /10min	ISO 1133 (JIS K7210)		10	4	4
Mechanical properties
Tensile (yield) strength ^*1	MPa	ISO 527-1,2 (JIS K7161, 7162)		Y59	Y58	Y58
Tensile fracture strain ^*2	％	ISO 527-1,2 (JIS K7161, 7162)		tB115	tB100	tB100
bending strength	MPa	ISO 178 (JIS K7171)		90	90	90
bending modulus	GPa	ISO 178 (JIS K7171)		2.2	2.1	2.1
Charpy impact strength	kJ/ ^m2	ISO 179-1 (JIS K7111)	With notch 23℃	80	75	70
			With notch 0℃	－	－	－
			With notch -30℃	25	30	30
			With notch -40℃	22	20	20
Izod impact strength	J/m	ASTM D256	With notch 23℃	820	－	－
			With notch 0℃	800	－	－
			With notch -30℃	700	－	－
			With notch -40℃	550	－	－
rockwell hardness	－	ISO 2039-2 (JIS K7202-2)	R scale /M scale	－	－	－
thermal properties
Load deflection temperature	℃	ISO 75-1,2 (JIS K7191-1,2)	0.45MPa	－	133	132
Load deflection temperature	℃	ISO 75-1,2 (JIS K7191-1,2)	1.8MPa	123	119	118
Linear expansion coefficient	×10^-5/℃	ISO 11359-2		7.0	7.0	7.0
Molding shrinkage rate	％	Idemitsu method	2mm MD	0.6～0.8	0.6～0.8	0.6～0.8
Molding shrinkage rate	％	Idemitsu method	2mm TD	0.6～0.8	0.6～0.8	0.6～0.8
optical properties
Total light transmittance	％	ISO 13468-1 (JIS K7361-1)		87	89	89
Flammability/UL related standards, etc.
Combustion quality	mm thickness	UL94	combustion class /Minimum thickness	V-2/0.40	－	－
Tracking resistance CTI	PLC level	UL746A		－	－	－
UV resistant and water resistant	－	UL746C		－	－	－
Electrical characteristics
Withstand voltage (Dielectric breakdown strength)	kV/mm	IEC 60243-1 (JIS C2110)		－	－	－
arc resistance	PLC level	ASTM D495		－	－	－
Volume resistivity	Ω・cm	ASTM D257		－	－	－
relative dielectric constant	－	IEC 60250	1MHz	－	－	－
Dissipation tangent	－	IEC 60250	1MHz	－	－	－
Standard molding conditions
cylinder temperature				270～310℃ (Upper limit 320℃)	270～310℃ (Upper limit 320℃)	270～310℃ (Upper limit 320℃)
mold temperature				80～110℃	80～120℃	80～120℃
Drying conditions				120℃, 5-8 hours	120℃, 5-8 hours	120℃, 5-8 hours

Features				Flame retardant V-0 UL746C:f1	Weatherproof UL746C:f1 Electric tracking (black)	GF reinforcement Shockproof
Grade name				ZG1950	PG1940	GG1920
Test items	Unit	Measurement method	(Measurement method, conditions)	>PC<	>PC<	>PC-GF20<
density	g/cm³	ISO 1183 (JIS K 7112)		1.18	1.22	1.32
Water absorption rate	％	ISO 62 (JIS K 7209)	24h 50%RH	0.2	0.2	0.09
flow characteristics
Melt volume flow rate (MVR)	^cm3 /10min	ISO 1133 (JIS K7210)		300℃ 1.20kg	300℃ 1.20kg	300℃ 1.20kg
Melt volume flow rate (MVR)	^cm3 /10min	ISO 1133 (JIS K7210)		11	8	6
Mechanical properties
Tensile (yield) strength ^*1	MPa	ISO 527-1,2 (JIS K7161, 7162)		Y60	Y55	105
Tensile fracture strain ^*2	％	ISO 527-1,2 (JIS K7161, 7162)		tB100	tB85	3
bending strength	MPa	ISO 178 (JIS K7171)		90	85	150
bending modulus	GPa	ISO 178 (JIS K7171)		2.1	2.2	5.3
Charpy impact strength	kJ/ ^m2	ISO 179-1 (JIS K7111)	With notch 23℃	70	65	22
			With notch 0℃	－	55	18
			With notch -30℃	30	35	18
			With notch -40℃	25	－	－
Izod impact strength	J/m	ASTM D256	With notch 23℃	750	750	190
			With notch 0℃	700	－	－
			With notch -30℃	600	600	170
			With notch -40℃	500	－	－
rockwell hardness	－	ISO 2039-2 (JIS K7202-2)	R scale /M scale	－	R110	R120/M70
thermal properties
Load deflection temperature	℃	ISO 75-1,2 (JIS K7191-1,2)	0.45MPa	138	138	148
Load deflection temperature	℃	ISO 75-1,2 (JIS K7191-1,2)	1.8MPa	123	123	144
Linear expansion coefficient	×10^-5/℃	ISO 11359-2		7	6.5	－
Molding shrinkage rate	％	Idemitsu method	2mm MD	0.6～0.8	0.6～0.8	0.38
Molding shrinkage rate	％	Idemitsu method	2mm TD	0.6～0.8	0.6～0.8	0.51
optical properties
Total light transmittance	％	ISO 13468-1 (JIS K7361-1)		－	－	－
Flammability/UL related standards, etc.
Combustion quality	mm thickness	UL94	combustion class /Minimum thickness	V-0/1.5(ALL) 5VB/2.0(ALL) 5VA/3.0(ALL) V-1/0.8(BK) HB/0.8(All colors except BK)	V-1/0.8(BK) V-0/1.0(BK) 5VB/2.0(BK) 5VA/2.3(BK)	－
Tracking resistance CTI	PLC level	UL746A		3	2	－
UV resistant and water resistant	－	UL746C		f1(BK:1.5mm V0) f1(ALL:2.0mm V1)	f1(BK)	－
Electrical characteristics
Withstand voltage (Dielectric breakdown strength)	kV/mm	IEC 60243-1 (JIS C2110)		－	－	－
arc resistance	PLC level	ASTM D495		－	－	－
Volume resistivity	Ω・cm	ASTM D257		－	－	－
relative dielectric constant	－	IEC 60250	1MHz	2.9	－	－
Dissipation tangent	－	IEC 60250	1MHz	0.0084	－	－
Standard molding conditions
cylinder temperature				270～310℃ (Upper limit 320℃)	270～310℃ (Upper limit 320℃)	270～310℃ (Upper limit 320℃)
mold temperature				80～120℃	80～120℃	80～120℃
Drying conditions				120℃, 5-8 hours	120℃, 5-8 hours	120℃, 5-8 hours

*1 For tensile yield stress, add Y in front of the number.
*2 For nominal tensile strain at break, add tB before the number.

The data presented in this document are representative of measurements obtained under specific conditions.
The uses described in this document do not guarantee the results of applying this product to those uses.
When using the product for the purposes introduced in this document, please be careful about infringing on industrial property rights (patent rights, utility model rights, design rights, trademark rights). (Our company is not responsible for infringement of industrial property rights.)
It cannot be used for medical equipment or medical products.
If the product is to be used for food utensils or packaging, please have our sales representative thoroughly confirm the compatibility of the applicable grade with relevant laws and regulations (Food Sanitation Law, etc.) before signing the delivery specifications. I will do it.
It is the customer's responsibility to check the compliance of products processed by the customer with various laws and regulations using our products as raw materials.
Please note that the contents of this document are subject to change without notice due to improvements.
The flammability described in this document is an evaluation based on small-scale tests, and cannot be directly applied to the evaluation of danger in an actual fire.

When exporting, please be aware of the laws and regulations regarding chemical substances in the destination country.
For inquiries regarding the applicability of our products to individual laws and regulations, please contact HP's inquiry desk or sales representative.

Siloxane copolymer grade (TARFLON NEO™)
Physical properties list PDF

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