NEC says material uses ash from power stations burning fossil fuels

Japanese electronics group NEC is claiming an environmental breakthrough for development of a new flame-retarded polycarbonate based on recovered power station ash.

According to NEC, the flame-retardant performance of power station ash emerged from research the company was carrying out into surface reactivity. It is attributed to the strong physical bond formed between the ash particle and the polymer, which enhances thermal degradation resistance and promotes carbonisation.

As a by-product of the power generation process the ash is a low-cost flame-retardant additive. NEC also highlights the environmental attractions of the material – it is halogen-free and provides a 20% reduction in energy consumption.

The company said it was continuing to research the impact of particle size and viscosity modifiers on the strength and flow performance of the new polycarbonate compound. NEC predicts the first commercial applications for the new polycarbonate, in electronic product housings, during 2005.