SABIC Expands Production Capacity for PPE Oligomers Used in PCBs and 5G Applications

Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) announced that its specialty oligomer production based on polyphenylene ether (PPE) technology will enter another incremental expansion phase. This commitment builds on previous capacity increases in Asia to meet the rapidly growing demand for high-performance printed circuit boards (PCBs) in data centers used for artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G applications.

Help manufacturers maintain quick delivery times for PPE.

The further expansion plan for oligomers is scheduled to be completed in the second half of 2026, which will help PCB manufacturers maintain quick delivery times amid continuous growth in product demand. SABIC's flagship product in this field is NORYL SA9000, a modified low molecular weight bifunctional PPE oligomer grade used for high-performance multilayer copper-clad laminates (CCL) in 5G base stations and high-speed AI server PCBs.

The material combines high heat resistance, dimensional stability, and flame retardancy with increased layer capability, resulting in very low-loss CCL products and enhanced dielectric layer strength. It offers formulation flexibility in existing CCL production operations and has been proven suitable for incorporation into various different solvent-based thermosetting systems.

Sergi Monros, Vice President of SABIC's Polymer Specialties Business Unit, added: "As artificial intelligence permeates almost every industry and environment, the data center market requires unique material solutions to support high-speed, high-bandwidth, low-latency infrastructure, and to deliver new levels of performance and reliability. In addition to investing in specialty materials and services to accelerate new product development in this field, SABIC also maintains a dedicated patent portfolio to protect the intellectual property behind the innovative solutions developed for our customers."

Professional materials for key data center performance

Artificial intelligence and 5G data centers encapsulate powerful electrical/plastic/supplier/SABIC/LNP-Faradex in a compact space, demanding advanced materials required for next-generation design and engineering. In addition to PPE oligomers, SABIC offers a variety of specialty materials, including resins and compounds, with unique advantages such as lightweight strength, thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity, optical clarity, chemical resistance, and cooling capability.

Examples include:

ULTEM™ resin - cooling fans, liquid cooling connections, signal connectors, automotive optical components

NORYL™ Resin - Air and Cable Guide

LNP™ FARADEX™ Compound - EMI Shielding

LNP™ STAT-KON™ Compound - Anti-static Component

LNP™ ELCRES™ Copolymer - Bus Bar Cover