New halogen-free flame-retardant Polyamide 66 LEONA™ SN features superior surface quality and laser printability 15.09.2021: Asahi Kasei is introducing the halogen and red-phosphorous free flame retardant Polyamide 66 LEONA™ SN to the European market. This semi-aromatic material combines high levels of safety, surface quality and laser printability.

Asahi Kasei is introducing the halogen and red-phosphorous free flame retardant Polyamide 66 LEONA™ SN to the European market. This semi-aromatic material combines high levels of safety, surface quality and laser printability.



Tightening safety and environmental regulations in the European Union are increasing the demands placed on materials used for electrical appliances and systems. Halogen- and red phosphorous free solutions are the key to ensure the safety of a wide range of applications while at the same time taking a more sustainable approach compared to conventional materials.



The Japanese technology company Asahi Kasei is currently introducing the halogen- and red phosphorous free, semi-aromatic polyamide 66 LEONA™ SN to the European market. The LEONA™ SN grades are certified with the V-0 flame retardancy at wall thicknesses of 0.75mm according to the UL standard, and achieve 600V, the highest value on the Comparative Tracking Index (CTI).




Safety, sustainability, and surface quality combined in one material


In addition to the flame-retardant and creep-resistant properties, the material features a superior surface quality. This is achieved without additional treatment and coating and even with a glass-fiber content of up to 50%. Another characteristic of this material is its high retention rate of physical properties in a conditioned state.



While comparable halogen-free PA66 materials show a significant decline in properties, LEONA™ SN maintains a high level of tensile strength and flexural modulus also after moisture absorption. This opens up new possibilities for applications in environments, where the use of standard FR PA66 can become an issue.



Furthermore, LEONA™ SN provides an excellent laser printability and allows for a clearer surface marking than general materials with red phosphorus in high speed machining of 1000 mm/sec, contributing to an increased speed in production. Applications areas of LEONA™ SN include automotive powertrain items, as well as E&E parts that require flame retardancy, such as connectors, magnet switches, or relay blocks.



By fulfilling the requirements for the highest Hazard Level 3 in the categories R22 for interior parts and R23 for exterior parts of the European railway fire safety standard EN 45545, this material is also fit for electrical systems in railway vehicles.



“LEONA™ SN fulfils the strictest requirements in regard to safety, surface quality and laser printability while at the same time being fully in line with the environmental regulations. The high level of key properties will make this material a problem solver for our customers and open up new possibilities in a broad range of applications”, says Taku Ishida, General Manager of the Engineering Plastics Division at Asahi Kasei Europe.



Broad expertise in the field of flame-retardant polymers


The LEONA™ SN series is part of Asahi Kasei’s new LEONA™ polyamide resin family. This series also comprises UV resistant grades (SU series), and semi-aromatic grades (SG series) for metal replacement and applications in the automotive interior.


They all have in common the unparalleled combination of excellent surface quality, easy processability and high mechanical performance. Asahi Kasei has a broad portfolio in the field of halogen-free and flame retardant polymers, including the modified polyphenylene ether (mPPE) XYRON™ and the polyamide 6.6 LEONA™.



Leveraging its expertise in this area even further, the company has developed the mPPE-based particle beads foam SunForce™, the first foam of its kind certified with an UL94 V-0 flame retardance.


These materials are especially suitable for applications in the fields of automotive and E&E (electrical engineering and electronics).



Asahi Kasei Europe will present its engineering plastics portfolio at Fakuma, the international trade fair for plastics processing, from 12 – 16 October 2021 in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Visit us in Hall B5 – Booth B5-5319.



Find more information on LEONA™ SN on the following page: https://asahikasei.group/eu/leona-sn/.




Henning Küll- photos Asahi Kasei