Evonik launches new ALBIFLEX® 297 epoxy resin for highly flexible electronic applications

• New epoxy resin delivers optimized flexibility and increases the durability of applications
• Hybrid material combines the advantages of epoxides and silicones
• Expansion of Evonik’s epoxy resin portfolio strengthens position in fast-growth electronics market

Based on its proven ALBIFLEX® technology, Evonik has developed a new epoxy-silicone copolymer, ALBIFLEX® 297. This new epoxy resin was first presented at the "International Conference on Electrical, Communication and Computer Engineering" (ICECCE) at the end of last year and is now been officially available for electronics industry customers in all regions. 

ALBIFLEX® 297 offers an optimal combination of flexibility with chemical and thermal stability that prevents material fatigue helping to increase the service life of the respective application. It also has excellent electrical and dielectric properties, high impact resistance, and nearly infinite variable elongation. In contrast to typical rigid and brittle epoxy resins, ALBIFLEX® 297 offers very high material flexibility of up to 145%, achieved by using the right mixing ratio with a standard resin.

This product can be used in a broad range of applications. In sensor encapsulation, for example, the epoxy resin provides permanent protection for electronic components against external influences such as heat, moisture, vibration, or chemical effects. In addition, it can be used in fatigue-free adhesives, flexible substrates (e.g., copper-coated laminates), films or optical applications.

“ALBIFLEX® 297 is particularly suitable for the fast-growing market for elastic adhesives, bonding and sealing compounds in electrical engineering and electronics,” said Stefan Schumann, Technical Director at Evonik Interface & Performance. “In addition, our customers can use our innovative new ALBIFLEX® copolymer as a substrate material for flexible printed circuit boards (FCCL), and as a base polymer or additive for potting compounds in increasingly more sophisticated electronic components.”

ALBIFLEX® 297 can be crosslinked with all common curing agents for epoxy resins. Other potential fields of application, such as fiber composites or protective coatings, are currently being evaluated. With the market launch of ALBIFLEX® 297, Evonik continues the expansion of its portfolio of customized epoxy resins.

ABOUT SPECIALTY ADDITIVES

The Specialty Additives division combines the businesses of versatile additives and high-performance crosslinkers. They make end products more valuable, more durable, save more energy and simply better. As formulation experts in fast growing markets such as coatings, mobility, infrastructure and consumer goods, Specialty Additives combines a small amount with a big effect. With its 3,700 employees the division generated sales of €3.71 billion in 2021. 

DISCLAIMER

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.