The unequivocal star of the RadiciGroup Performance Plastics booth at K 2016 was the newly launched Radilon Aestus T polyphthalamide (PPA) product range, together with the specialties Radilon HHR, X-Treme, A, S, D and DT, as well as Radistrong and halogen-free and red-phosphorous-free Radiflam A HF for the electrical industry. Through the acquisition of the Engineering Polymer Solutions business of the North American Invista, RadiciGroup Performance Plastics further strengthened and expanded its presence in the North American and European markets while, as far as sustainability is concerned, new Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) were presented for Radilon® S and A, Heramid  and the polyamide waste recovery service.

The key characteristics of Radilon Aestus T include high melting temperature and high heat distortion temperature under load, excellent resistance to prolonged ageing in air, glycol and alcohol-petrol blend, good flowability, which makes the moulding of very thin-walled parts possible.

The Radilon Aestus T brand belongs to the new polyphthalamide (PPA) range used by the company to keep on implementing its multi-generation product plan for the development of high performance materials. In the first stage of the plan, automotive, water/plumbing, beverage dispensing equipment and electrical/electronics are among the main target markets for these new specialties. Delivering not only the highest temperature resistance, but also high flame resistance and high chemical resistance, especially to aggressive fluids, these products are the answer to the market’s demand for innovation, maximum customization, flexibility and performance.

The performance characteristics of the new PPA product range make these materials ideal for the manufacture of lead-free soldering parts and components with high mechanical resistance to high temperatures. Of particular importance is the flame resistance delivered by these materials, which have been designed to be rated in flammability class V0, according to UL94, even in the case of thin-walled components.

The Radilon Aestus T range is ideal also for the manufacture of fittings coming into contact with hot water at temperatures of up to 85 degrees. It has steam resistance up to 120 degrees. Applications include valves, hot water distribution manifolds and water-meter housings, etc., as well as hot beverage dispensers.