Samyang Corporation launches transparent flame-retardant polycarbonate, proving no harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds detected

● 74 types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds were tested by SGS, a global inspection and testing agency.

● Per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds are difficult to decompose naturally and accumulate in the body, causing diseases… Countries around the world are tightening regulations

● An environmentally friendly material that does not use flame retardants… It has the highest level of flame retardancy and has excellent chemical resistance and low-temperature impact strength compared to general PC.

On December 4, 2023, Samyang Corporation will use environmentally friendly and transparent flame-retardant polycarbonate materials that have obtained safety certification to develop the global market.

Samyang Corporation stated on December 4 that it was conducting research on per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS, Per
and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), no per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds harmful to the human body were detected.

Perfluorinated and polyfluoroalkyl compounds are artificial substances composed of carbon and fluorine. They have excellent thermal stability, water resistance and oil resistance. They have long been used in electrical and electronic products, food packaging materials, cosmetics, fiber products, fire protection supplies and various industrial fields. Because it is difficult to decompose naturally, it is called a “permanent chemical” and accumulates in the natural environment and the body, causing environmental pollution and problems such as tumors, thyroid disorders, and hormone imbalances.

Due to this potential danger, the United States has begun to regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds, the European Union is promoting regulations on the control of hazardous chemicals, including banning per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds, and countries around the world have implemented regulations on their use. be legalized.

In this test, Samyang Corporation tested 74 types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds. Representative substances including perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), which may cause chronic renal failure, and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which increases the birth rate of malformations and causes major diseases such as various cancers and thyroid diseases, were examined. In addition, other per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds such as sodium perfluorundecane sulfonate (PFHxS) and perfluorocarboxylic acid (PFCA) were also tested and showed that these components were completely undetected.

The detection of per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds was conducted by SGS, a global inspection and testing agency. Founded in 1878, SGS has more than 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world. The reliability of its testing and verification has been recognized as an international standard and has received the highest level of evaluation.

Samyang Corporation’s transparent flame-retardant polycarbonate is based on silicon-based polycarbonate (Si-PC) and does not require the addition of halogen flame retardants such as chlorine and bromine that produce harmful gases when burned. It is developed by changing the molecular structure environmentally friendly materials.

Compared with traditional flame-retardant polycarbonate, Samyang Corporation’s product overcomes the shortcomings of reduced transparency and impact strength. Its chemical resistance and impact strength in low-temperature environments are superior to ordinary polycarbonate. The flame retardant performance is also very superior. In the United States safety standardization and certification agency “UL (Underwriters)
Laboratories” developed flame retardant test “UL
In the 94” vertical burning test, the highest grade “V-0” was obtained. Only plastics that make the vertical burning flame extinguish themselves within 10 seconds can be rated as V-0.

By processing the film, even in a film form of about 1mm, it is possible to maintain a level of mechanical properties comparable to ordinary polycarbonate. Based on the characteristics of this material, Samyang Corporation plans to expand its application scope to include industrial materials that require transparency and flame retardancy, such as interior and exterior materials for automobiles and home appliances, sound insulation walls, and medical equipment parts.

Kang Ho-sung, CEO of Samyang Corporation, said: “Recently, the world has been faced with environmental pollution and dangers to human bodies caused by per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds, and countries have strengthened supervision of their use.” He also Said: “Based on the results of this per- and polyfluoroalkyl compound testing, we will promote transparent flame-retardant polycarbonate to enter the international market, and will also work on developing new environmentally friendly and high-performance materials.”

In addition, Samyang Group has recently been accelerating the expansion of its environmentally friendly materials business. Last year, Samyang Corporation developed Korea’s first polycarbonate containing more than 90% recycled polycarbonate (PCR PC) raw materials. In addition, Samyang Corporation has signed a supply agreement with Netspa, a waste fishing net recycling company, for the recycling of plastic pellets from waste fishing nets, which will be used in the development of automotive interior and exterior materials, electronic products, daily necessities, etc., and will be commercialized soon.

Samyang Innochem, a chemical subsidiary, has completed the construction of a production plant for “isosorbide”, a bio-based material based on corn. Samyang Packaging has also expanded its waste plastic recycling business and introduced a 21,000-ton recycled PET pellet production facility, which is currently in operation.