Flame retardant laser direct structuring materials
Flame retardant thermoplastic compositions that are capable of being used in a laser direct structuring process. The compositions include a thermoplastic resin, a laser direct structuring additive, and a flame retardant. The compositions offer flame retardant characteristics while also substantially maintaining the mechanical properties of the base thermoplastic resin, such as the impact strength and/or HDT of the composition. The compositions can be used in a variety of applications such as personal computers, notebook and portable computers, cell phone and other such communications equipment.
1. A thermoplastic composition, comprising:
a) from 15 to 85% by weight of a polycarbonate-based resin;
b) from 0. 1 to 30% by weight of a laser direct structuring additive; and
c) 20% or less by weight of a flame retardant;
wherein a molded sample of the thermoplastic composition is capable of achieving UL94 V0 rating at a thickness of 1.6 mm (±10%).
2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the polycarbonate-based resin is selected from a polycarbonate, a polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin blend, or a combination including at least one of the foregoing polycarbonate-based resins.
3. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the laser direct structuring additive is selected from a heavy metal mixture oxide spinel, a copper salt, or a combination including at least one of the foregoing laser direct structuring additives.
4. The composition of claim 3 , wherein the laser direct structuring additive comprises copper chromium oxide spinel.
5. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the flame retardant is selected from a phosphorus containing flame retardant, an organic compound containing phosphorus-nitrogen bonds, or a combination including at least one of the foregoing flame retardants.
6. The composition of claim 1 , wherein a molded sample of the thermoplastic composition is capable of achieving UL94 V0 rating at a thickness of 1.2 mm (±10%).
7. The composition of claim 1 , wherein a molded sample of the thermoplastic composition is capable of achieving UL94 V0 rating at a thickness of 1.0 mm (±10%).
8. The composition of claim 1 , wherein a molded sample of the thermoplastic composition is capable of achieving UL94 V0 rating at a thickness of 0.8 mm (±10%).
9. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the thermoplastic composition includes from 0. 1 to 15 wt. % of the flame retardant.
10. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition is capable of being plated after being activated using a laser.
11. The composition of claim 3 , wherein the laser direct structuring additive is a copper salt selected from copper hydroxide phosphate, copper phosphate, copper sulfate, cuprous thiocyanate, or a combination including at least one of the foregoing copper salts.