Usages

Specialty Polymers for Smartphone and PC Components

Structural, cosmetic and functional components of smartphones and PCs require a distinct combination of materials with unique properties, especially as these devices continue to undergo further miniaturization. Consumers demand more radio-frequency functions, more durable devices, and increasingly fast performance in next-generation smartphones and PCs. These requirements challenge OEMs to find optimal cost-performance balance in their processing solutions, which only raises the importance of material selection. Syensqo's specialty polymers for smartphones and PCs empower a variety of applications and usages, including structural and cosmetic frames, antenna splits and plastic-metal hybrid structures.

Structural and Cosmetic Frames

Structural applications in smartphones and PCs require a challenging combination of properties to achieve cost-effective performance and durability, and specialty polymers continue to provide viable alternatives to traditionally used metals for these components. Today’s smartphone and PC frames demand high dimensional stability in thin-walled cross sections, high-strength and impact capabilities, and ease of processing for OEMs.Structural and cosmetic frames in modern smartphones and PCs require tensile modulus close to metal, as these features undergo significant impact and wear over extensive use. These components must simultaneously be equipped with excellent aesthetics and a pleasurable finish to deliver elevated sensory experiences for consumers. 

• Design Requirements: High stiffness, good flatness, cost-performance balance, lightweight material, high impact strength and good dimensional stability.

Antenna Splits

Antenna splits in modern smartphones and PCs present OEMs with difficult design challenges, as the structural attributes are just as integral as their conductivity properties. Solutions for antenna splits must be particularly well-suited for unique processing techniques, as they require non-metallic components with excellent RF transparency and dielectric performance. Additionally, the materials used for smartphone and PC antenna splits must exhibit low to no electrical conductivity, suitable permittivity and permeability around the antenna to facilitate maximum data transmission efficiency.

• Design Requirements: Thin-walled, high strength and rigidity, suitable dielectric properties, good RF transparency, NMT and overmolding capability.

Plastic-Metal Hybrid Structures

Plastic-metal hybrid structures provide modern smartphones and PCs with an array of design and aesthetic advantages through processes such as NMT and anodization. NMT materials combine plastics and metal at a micro level to provide components with both geometry design freedom and the stiffness and rigidity of metal. Anodization, typically for aluminum housings or overmoldings, involves the thickening of the natural oxide layer on metallic or plastic-metal parts. This provides smartphone and PC components with improved impact performance and superior chemical and UV resistance.

• Design Requirements: Ease of processing, low shrinkage, superior tensile strength and excellent durability.