Avient today announced the launch of two patent-pending Versaflex™ CE thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) for 5G applications. The new Versaflex™ CE 3140 formulations are transparent to signals, delivering superior permittivity and low signal-loss performance at high frequencies to better enable high-speed transmission and connectivity.
Consumer electronics manufacturers are demanding better performance because at 5G’s high-end millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies, signals are shorter. They face interference from trees, windows, and even phone cases that can cause transmission issues for mobile devices.
As a result, Avient formulated these TPE materials to offer improved signal transmission up to mmWave frequencies. This higher frequency range is required for faster data transfer, higher data capacity, and lower latency (i.e., data transmission times).
New transparent Versaflex CE 3140 TPEs are targeted at accessories such as cases for phones and other 5G mobile devices. They deliver lower dielectric constant (Dk) and dissipation factor (Df) performance compared to standard TPEs, resulting in less signal degradation.
“As device manufacturers launch 5G compatible products, phone case manufacturers need materials that facilitate mmWave transmission to maximize signal performance,” said Matt Mitchell, director, global marketing of Specialty Engineered Materials at Avient. “Signal quality is critical to reaping the benefits of 5G devices. Our specialty TPEs for 5G transparency provide phone case manufacturers with advanced solutions that allow them differentiate their next-generation products and delight end users.”
Versaflex CE 3140 grades are available globally, injection moldable, and able to be overmolded to PC, ABS, PC/ABS, and COPE. They are a natural color TPE that can be easily colored to match design specs or branding preferences. These TPEs are the latest addition to Avient’s growing portfolio of solutions with enhanced dielectric performance and capabilities for 5G applications.
