BLOG | 24 October 2025
SABIC LEXAN™ for Electrical, Mobility & Medical Applications - What Is LEXAN™ CFR Resin?
Author Insights from our Engineers at Bamberger Amco Polymers
LEXAN™ CFR (Clear Flame Retardant) resin from SABIC Specialties is a clear, flame-retardant polycarbonate designed for applications where space is limited, and safety is non-negotiable. Specifically formulated for thin-walled parts, it offers excellent optical clarity, flame resistance, and processability — making it ideal for electrical and electronic (E&E) components, consumer electronics, automotive uses, and medical devices.
Why LEXAN™ CFR Resin Excels in Flame-Retardant Electrical Applications
As consumer electronics, EV components, and medical devices become increasingly compact, manufacturers need flame-retardant plastics that don’t sacrifice clarity, strength, or regulatory compliance. SABIC Specialties’ LEXAN™ CFR resin offers a non-halogenated, non-brominated flame-retardant polycarbonate material option that delivers UL performance while prioritizing environmental safety.
UL Ratings and Outdoor Use
LEXAN™ CFR resin from SABIC Specialties offers advantages such as:
- UL 94 V-0 rating at 1.0 mm
- UL 94 5VA rating at 3.0 mm
- Several LEXAN™ grades meet UL F1 ratings for outdoor applications.
Improved Flow and Processability
Traditional flame-retardant polycarbonate can be difficult to mold, especially in thin-walled designs. LEXAN™ CFR addresses this challenge with enhanced flow properties and shear thinning behavior, meaning the resin flows more easily under pressure during injection molding or extrusion. This enables intricate part designs and promotes easier mold filling, reduced cycle times, and fewer production rejects.
- LEXAN™ CFR grades are available with a Melt Flow Index (MFI) of ~18, compared to ~28 in similar FR Polycarbonate materials. Other available grades achieve a MFI of ~5, compared to ~14 in similar FR Polycarbonate materials.
Environmentally Friendly Flame-Retardant Resin
In today’s regulatory climate, materials need to meet the performance needs of E&E, medical, and mobility applications while keeping pace with higher sustainability standards. In compliance with a wide range of international environmental standards, LEXAN™ CFR resins offer grades with:
- No bromine
- No chlorine
- No phosphate
- No PTFE (Teflon™)
Certifications and Environmental Compliance
LEXAN™ CFR resins meet or exceed the criteria set by:
- RoHS
- TCO99 International
- EPEAT
- Ecoflower
- Blue Angel
- Nordic Swan
- Japan PC Green
Common Applications for LEXAN™ CFR Resin
- Consumer electronics (smartphones, laptops, wearable tech)
- EV components and battery enclosures
- LED lighting covers and housings
- Medical device housings and casings
- Electrical connectors and switches
Let's Work Together
If you're designing next-generation electronics, automotive, or medical parts and need a high-performance, flame-retardant polycarbonate, LEXAN™ CFR resin may be the perfect fit. Have questions or want to request technical data sheets on LEXAN CFR resin? Contact us today!
