X. Sun
SABIC,
United States
Keywords: electronic materials, polymer, thermoplastics, plastics, composites, functional materials, photonics, antenna, 5G, IoT
Summary:
Material selection is essential to the design of electronics devices. Ever since invention of the first light bulb, engineers have been trying to choose the right materials amongst metal, ceramics, rubbers, plastics etc. to make structural and functional components for electronic devices. Due to the insulate properties of engineering thermoplastics (ETP) and the ease of injection molding process for mass production, lots of different ETPs have been used to make electronics parts and enclosures. At chemistry level, resins were designed that are suitable for various electronic applications: for example some are resistant to high temperatures with flame-retardency according to industrial regulations. Depending on their inherent material properties and the purpose of the particular part, different materials can also be put together with the plastics into 2D or 3D forms. In recent years, with the mega trend of IoT, 5G communication, big data storage and needs to design devices in a more sleek, fashionable, intricate, and miniaturized way, material scientists are forced to think ahead to develop smart materials with embedded functionalities in various forms, which can in-turn enable function-integration of new designs at ODM and OEMs. This presentation will first provide a fundamental look at the overall material collections and properties with a focus on specialty engineering thermoplastics in our current portfolio. Then several examples will be illustrated to show our resolve in providing smart material and technology solutions to the future of electronics industry.