TARFLON™ (polycarbonate resin), TARFLON NEO™ (siloxane copolymerized 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 manufacturing technology using a continuous solution method and began commercial production of TARFLON™.
In order to further strengthen our competitiveness, we licensed this unique manufacturing technology to Taiwan's Formosa Chemicals & Fiber Corporation and consolidated production there in 2015.
By applying copolymerization technology ^*1 that utilizes our unique manufacturing technology and compounding technology ^*2 that we have cultivated over the years, we have developed a siloxane copolymerized PC that further enhances the low-temperature impact strength of PC resin and weather resistance for outdoor use. We are focusing on the development and sales of optical grade products such as resin (TARFLON NEO™), light guide plates for LCD backlight units, diffusion covers for LED lighting, optical lenses, and daytime running lights (DRLs) for automobiles. Masu.

Copolymerization technology
Technology that combines two or more types of molecules to create large compounds
compound technology
A technology that improves functionality by mixing other materials such as pigments and additives with the raw material resin.

Features of TARFLON™

PC resin TARFLON™ is an engineering plastic with high transparency, self-extinguishing properties, and the highest impact resistance among plastics.
It is used in a variety of fields, including optical discs, motorcycle windshields, helmets and helmet shields, carport and arcade roofing materials, highway soundproofing boards, and automobile headlamps.

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

TARFLON™ major grade list

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 that polymerizes modifying components during the polymerization process of PC resin, and as a result of repeated technological development, we completed TARFLON NEO™, a siloxane copolymerized polycarbonate (Si-PC).

Resin products are used in a variety of environments, such as when the surface is painted, when they are used outdoors, when they come into contact with disinfectants, and when they are mixed with glass fiber to improve their performance. The reason why resin products break is that in such an environment, they are subjected to a variety of loads, from visible loads to invisible loads, and cracks ^*3 develop and develop.
TARFLON NEO™ is expected to be used in a variety of applications that cannot be applied to conventional PC resins, as the copolymerized siloxane block prevents crack growth.

How TARFLON NEO™ (Si-PC) works

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

Siloxane - Highly mobile and flexible skeleton -

Differences from conventional polycarbonate

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.

crack
fissure, crack
notch
V-shaped or U-shaped notch shape. Although polycarbonate is said to have high strength, it is known that the presence of V-notches causes a decrease in strength.

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

TARFLON NEO™ helps solve the following issues.

Hard to break even in low temperature environments

Application examples: Winter sports equipment, battery packs, smartphones, helmets
There are cases where products are made thinner to reduce costs through weight reduction. In order to avoid deterioration in moldability due to thinning, a high-flow type PC resin with a low molecular weight may be selected.
PC resin is a material with excellent impact strength even in low-temperature environments if it has a molecular weight above a certain level, but its impact strength decreases in extremely low temperatures such as -40℃.
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

Application examples: Mobile terminals, computer housings, batteries
PC resin has excellent heat resistance, dimensional accuracy, and strength, and materials that are filled with glass fiber to increase rigidity are used for structural and mechanical parts such as chassis (car frames). I am.
In general, materials filled with glass fiber etc. have lower impact strength. As a measure to improve the impact properties of materials filled with glass fibers, etc., methods are taken to add impact-absorbing components such as elastomers, but this may not always lead to improved impact strength.
TARFLON NEO™, which is made by copolymerizing siloxane blocks, maintains the properties of PC resin while improving its shock absorption ability, making it suitable for improving the impact properties of materials filled with glass fibers, etc.

Improved durability for outdoor use

Application examples: base stations, charging stations, smart meters, covers etc.
Polycarbonate resin takes advantage of its properties such as transparency and strength, and 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 UV rays. Generally, a method is used to slow down the deterioration of resin due to ultraviolet rays by adding an ultraviolet absorber. However, if the added UV absorber is consumed, the resin part will deteriorate and its strength will decrease.
TARFLON NEO™ is expected to have improved outdoor durability because it is copolymerized with siloxane that is resistant to ultraviolet rays, and the copolymerization of siloxane makes it difficult for cracks to develop due to resin deterioration.

Improved chemical resistance

Application examples: home appliances, industrial materials
Although it is desirable to use PC resin from the viewpoint of strength and appearance, there are cases where it cannot be used because it may come into contact with alkaline chemicals. This is because when the "carbonate bonds" from which the name "polycarbonate" comes into contact with alkali, their decomposition accelerates, causing a decrease in strength and appearance.
TARFLON NEO™, which is made by copolymerizing siloxane, has been confirmed to have improved alkali resistance due to the effect of siloxane.

Prevents strength loss of painted products

Application examples: Automotive interiors, smartphones
Resin products may be painted to improve their design. Painting is generally done by applying or spraying a solution of paint in a solvent. PC resin is a material with low solvent resistance, and the resin surface may be damaged during painting. Furthermore, due to the difference in thermal expansion and hardness between the paint film and the resin, cracks may develop due to the load during product use and may lead to destruction.
TARFLON NEO™, which is copolymerized with siloxane, can be expected to improve the strength of painted products because siloxane has the effect of suppressing crack growth and has improved impact properties compared to general PC resin.

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 property list PDF

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