BLOG | 17 October 2025
The Benefits of Flame Retardant Resins for Electrical & Mobility Applications
Author Insights from our Engineers at Bamberger Amco Polymers
Flame retardant (FR) resins are engineered to resist ignition, reduce flame spread, and limit smoke production, all to support product and user safety. Across industries like electrical and electronics (E&E), healthcare, and mobility, material selection plays a central role in meeting FR compliance requirements. The most referenced industry standard is the UL flame rating scale.
What Are Flame Retardant Resins and Why Are They Important?
Flame retardant thermoplastics are a class of materials designed to self-extinguish or prevent the spread of fire if combustion occurs. They help designers and OEMs meet demanding safety regulations like IEC 60695 standards. Their main benefits include:
- Enhanced safety in electrical systems
- Thermal stability under high operating temperatures
- Low-smoke, low-toxicity options
- Improved chemical resistance, especially when exposed to aggressive disinfectants or solvents
Keeping Up with Industry Standards for Safety & Performance
To stay competitive across the markets that rely on them, FR resins need to offer additional advantages, such as:
- High dielectric strength
- Dimensional stability
- Chemical compatibility
- Impact resistance, UV resistance, and long-term durability
In the mobility sector, components like battery covers, junction boxes, and connectors benefit from resins that balance mechanical strength with chemical resistance and durability.
Why Customers Choose VALOX™ Flame Retardant Resin for High-Performance Applications
Flame Retardant and Chemically Resistant
VALOX™ resin, a flame retardant PBT blend developed by SABIC, combines UL94 flame resistance, chemical resistance, and mechanical performance. That makes it an ideal choice for applications exposed to chemical agents — especially in healthcare, consumer, and commercial cleaning markets.
Electric Vehicles and Mobility Markets
VALOX™ is also a go-to option for EV powertrain components, battery systems, and crash detection modules, which all benefit from its thermal stability, low warpage, and precision molding capabilities. VALOX™ is an excellent replacement for older phenolic resins, with far better durability and supply chain consistency.
Dimensional Stability for Precision Applications
Certain grades of VALOX™ offer glass reinforcement, impact modifiers, and UV stabilization — providing dielectric performance in outdoor and high-voltage environments like:
- Electrical connectors
- Electronics housings
- HVAC components
- Telecom systems
A Proven Material from a Long-Time Supplier Partner
As one of SABIC’s closest distribution partners, we combine deep technical expertise with reliable sourcing to help you select the best VALOX™ grade for your application.
Whether you're early in your product development journey or need a material replacement that meets UL94 ratings with chemical resistance and dimensional stability, we’ll guide you toward a solution that balances performance, compliance, and cost.
Ready to Find the Right Flame Retardant Resin?
Reach out to us today and we’ll help tailor a material solution to your exact needs. The earlier we get involved, the more guidance and benefits we can offer!
The Source Behind the Insights: David Katz
David is a renowned Technical Service Engineer with more than 30 years of industry experience. As a customer advocate, he supports our sales & marketing efforts through his expertise in material selection, conceptual design, design review, injection molding, extrusion processing, blow molding, troubleshooting, tooling review, and scientific molding education.
David’s specialties include engineering reins, thermoplastic elastomers & thermoset rubber/elastomers.
