Sabic launches first flame-retardant pbt nano-injection molding material with excellent bonding strength and mechanical properties

July 16, 2025SABICAnnounces the launch of a new product in its LNP™ THERMOTUF™ specialty composite series. The new LNP™ THERMOTUF™ WF0087N composite material is the industry's first based on polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).PBTThe nano-molding technology (NMT) material has excellent flame-retardant properties and outstanding mechanical performance. It meets the growing demand in the consumer electronics industry for lightweight and durable metal-plastic composite parts (such as the frames of smartphones). In addition, the material's flame-retardant properties help customers comply with the latest IEC 62368-1 safety standard for consumer electronic devices. LNP™ THERMOTUF™ WF0087N composite material has been awarded the 2025 Edison Award.

SABIC's Director of R&D and Applications for the Asia Pacific region, Jenny Wang, stated: "As smartphones continue to break through in design, wireless connectivity, and charging speed, the industry urgently needs advanced materials to match these developments. The launch of this new flame-retardant nano-injection composite material demonstrates SABIC's commitment to the consumer electronics market. We will leverage breakthrough materials to help our customers enhance the performance, safety, compliance for mass production, and manufacturing efficiency of devices such as smartphones."

Expand the advantages of nanomolding technology.

Nano Molding Technology (NMT) creates tightly bonded composites by injecting plastic resin into chemically treated metal surfaces. Compared to die casting and insert molding techniques, NMT helps manufacturers achieve lightweight, thin-walled designs, radio frequency signal permeability, superior aesthetics, and a more streamlined processing workflow, while also enhancing the waterproof and dustproof performance of electronic devices.

In addition to these advantages, LNP™ THERMOTUF™ composite materials retain good bonding strength and mechanical properties (such as impact resistance) while adding thin-wall flame retardant performance (UL94 V0 at 1.0 mm). Their metal bonding strength is improved by about 60% compared to conventional flame-retardant PBT resins, helping designers meet the stringent IP68 waterproof and dustproof standards.

This innovative material also possesses the following characteristics: excellent resistance to corrosion from anodic oxidation treatment, support for customized coloring to achieve aesthetic design, and dielectric properties that ensure signal transmission efficiency for multi-antenna devices. Its main application scenarios include antenna dividers and various structural components for smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and laptops.