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News Release from: HDP User Group
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 16 March 2007
Halogen-free database project started
The High Density Packaging User Group International (HDP) has started a project to create a distributed database on the properties and availability of halogen-free electronic components and materials.
The High Density Packaging User Group International (HDP), a global nonprofit co-operative research and development organisation for the telecommunications and computer industries, has initiated a project to create a distributed database containing information on the properties and availability of halogen-free electronic components and materials Flame-retarded plastics are commonly needed to meet strict fire safety codes for electronic equipment
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 8 Nov 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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Certain halogenated compounds (of which brominated flame retardants, or BFRs, are a subset) are used as flame retardants in a variety of applications including thermoplastics, insulation materials, component mould compounds, solder masks and printed circuit board laminates.
In addition, polyvinyl chloride or PVC (a resin that contains chlorine, a halogen) is a commonly used base resin for certain cable jacketing.
However, concerns have arisen that these materials may pose certain risks to health or the environment, particularly at end-of-life.
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At this time, several governments are considering regulation to prohibit or restrict the use of these types of substances in electronic (and other) products.
Within the marketplace, environmentally-preferable purchasing standards (such as TCO, Blue Angel and Nordic Swan) also include restrictions on the use of these substances in certain products.
Companies throughout the supply chain will need to understand which "halogen-free" alternatives are available, as well as the electrical, mechanical and environmental, health and safety properties of these alternatives.
In 2007, HDP User Group initiated the Halogen-free Properties Project, aimed at assembling a comprehensive halogen-free guideline and halogen-free materials database.
The database will allow suppliers to list their halogen-free products and the properties of those offerings in a uniform, concise format that is easily accessible to product designers.
Increased access to this information will enhance supply chain adoption of halogen-free components.
Dell is leading this new project with project participants including major companies such as HP, IBM, Sun, Fujitsu-Siemens, NEC, Hitachi, AMD, NanYa, Supresta, Albemarle, Alcatel-Lucent, Aspocomp, Celestica, Clariant, Coretec, EIT, General Electric, Isola Group, ITRI, Kaneka Texas, Multek, Park Nelco, as well as the US EPA.
The participants of this project are currently soliciting involvement by interested companies throughout the industry.
Direction and guidance from as large a cross section of the industry as possible will help make the database successful and enhance adoption of these new alternative materials.
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