So we previously learned some of the risks of BFRs, CFRs, and PVC. What is Molex doing to mitigate these risks? First, let's take a look at the terminology used and some alternatives. Terminology / Definitions So we want to remove these substances that could cause harm. What do we call this trend? Well, it seems everyone has come up with their own term! Halogen-Free, Low-Halogen, and BFR/CFR/PVC-Free are common terms used. They're all a mouthful, and some don't even accurately describe the situation. Also, what's the acceptable level of these substances, knowing that unintentional impurities can exist? And what about other brominated and chlorinated substance s? To be safe, Molex has adopted a conservative definition for this trend – one that meets all of our customers' definitions. A product that has less than 900 ppm (0.09%) bromine, less than 900 ppm chlorine, and less than 1500 ppm (0.15%) of bromine and chlorine combined, meets the requirement. For now, we call these products 'Halogen-Free' or 'Low-Halogen.' BFR/CFR Alternatives We've decided we want to get away from brominated and chlorinated flame retardants. We'll just use another material ... easy right? Well, not exactly. Many Molex connectors use a brominated flame retardant (remember – it's used to slow down the spread of fire, so using a BFR sounds like a good idea!). There are three ways we can get away from BFRs: Some plastics are inherently flame-retardant (in other words, a flame retardant doesn't need to be added to slow the spread of fire). Sounds like an easy choice! Except that those plastics may have completely different properties (some are very brittle and might break). And, of course, they're typically more expensive. What about using a different kind of flame retardant? Molex has been working with its plastic suppliers, who have been developing non-brominated, non-chlorinated flame retardants. Some of these show promise and are currently being used. Again, there are differences, so each product needs to be re-evaluated. The third option is to remove the flame retardant entirely. If the connector is used in an application where a fire isn't likely to happen, or the current is low enough, the plastic may not even need a flame retardant. Plastics already exist without flame retardants, and are used in many applications. PVC Alternatives We've also decided we want to replace PVC with another material – one that's just as flexible. Well, we can't have everything – the alternatives could be up to ten times as expensive! Of course, over time, prices will drop as supply catches up, but in the meantime, a premium will be paid for the substitutes. Some examples: Polyethylene Fluorinated polymers (FEP, ETFE, PVDF) Ethylene propylene diene elastomer (EPDM) Polyurethane Molex's Activities Molex has been working with its suppliers and customers to design new products that don't contain these substances that could pose hazards. We have experience in creating a connector that doesn't have brominated or chlorinated flame retardants, and we've worked with cables that aren't PVC. Certainly, there are challenges, and not every material can be easily replaced. In the meantime, if a Molex customer needs a product without BFRs, CFRs, and PVC, just let your account manager know – he or she will be able to work with you to meet your needs! Read More From The Connector by Molex: http://www.connector.com/2010/08/pros-and-cons-of-eliminating-hazardous-substances/#ixzz17S0txwu8

Pros and Cons of Eliminating Hazardous Substances

So we previously learned some of the risks of BFRs, CFRs, and PVC. What is Molex doing to mitigate these risks? First, let's take a look at the terminology used and some alternatives.

Terminology / Definitions

So we want to remove these substances that could cause harm. What do we call this trend? Well, it seems everyone has come up with their own term! Halogen-Free, Low-Halogen, and BFR/CFR/PVC-Free are common terms used. They're all a mouthful, and some don't even accurately describe the situation. Also, what's the acceptable level of these substances, knowing that unintentional impurities can exist? And what about other brominated and chlorinated substances?

To be safe, Molex has adopted a conservative definition for this trend – one that meets all of our customers' definitions. A product that has less than 900 ppm (0.09%) bromine, less than 900 ppm chlorine, and less than 1500 ppm (0.15%) of bromine and chlorine combined, meets the requirement. For now, we call these products 'Halogen-Free' or 'Low-Halogen.'

BFR/CFR Alternatives

We've decided we want to get away from brominated and chlorinated flame retardants. We'll just use another material ... easy right? Well, not exactly. Many Molex connectors use a brominated flame retardant (remember – it's used to slow down the spread of fire, so using a BFR sounds like a good idea!). There are three ways we can get away from BFRs:

Some plastics are inherently flame-retardant (in other words, a flame retardant doesn't need to be added to slow the spread of fire). Sounds like an easy choice! Except that those plastics may have completely different properties (some are very brittle and might break). And, of course, they're typically more expensive.

What about using a different kind of flame retardant? Molex has been working with its plastic suppliers, who have been developing non-brominated, non-chlorinated flame retardants. Some of these show promise and are currently being used. Again, there are differences, so each product needs to be re-evaluated.
The third option is to remove the flame retardant entirely. If the connector is used in an application where a fire isn't likely to happen, or the current is low enough, the plastic may not even need a flame retardant. Plastics already exist without flame retardants, and are used in many applications.

PVC Alternatives

We've also decided we want to replace PVC with another material – one that's just as flexible. Well, we can't have everything – the alternatives could be up to ten times as expensive! Of course, over time, prices will drop as supply catches up, but in the meantime, a premium will be paid for the substitutes. Some examples:

Polyethylene
Fluorinated polymers (FEP, ETFE, PVDF)
Ethylene propylene diene elastomer (EPDM)
Polyurethane

Molex's Activities

Molex has been working with its suppliers and customers to design new products that don't contain these substances that could pose hazards. We have experience in creating a connector that doesn't have brominated or chlorinated flame retardants, and we've worked with cables that aren't PVC. Certainly, there are challenges, and not every material can be easily replaced. In the meantime, if a Molex customer needs a product without BFRs, CFRs, and PVC, just let your account manager know – he or she will be able to work with you to meet your needs!