Halogen Free Packaging Materials

摘要

The pressure to move to halogen-free products is not only the pressure from legislation. There are also consumer labels such as the Blue Angel (Germany) and the White Swan in the Nordic countries. In addition, individual consumer and computer companies have made strong environmental commitments ― for example Toshiba introduced 20 notebook and desktop models in 1999 containing halogen-free boards. Although it is possible to replace halogen flame retardants in electronics circuits, there is still residual chlorine from the production of the epoxy resin (up to 3000 ppm) and from the use of phthalocyanine green in solder mask (this is a chlorinated form of phthalocyanine blue). Indeed there is not yet a firm definition for "halogen-free" and the industry may need to move towards a "halogen not intentionally added" definition. First-generation halogen free board materials are now available and have been produced in quantity. Halogen-free molding compounds are also now starting to become available. It appears that some modest fraction of boards will be produced halogen-free but significantly higher raw material costs and questionable environmental benefits will delay implementation.