CHANCES AND LIMITATIONS OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE POLYMERS

High Performance Polymers. especially when inherently flame retardant, are of potential interest for electrotechnical and electronic applica tions and are systematically investigated. In the course of R&D work o n these materials - in spite of a number of properties of high interes t - some deficiencies were found as, for example, predominantly poor m etal adhesion. Further, in individual cases they possess poor stress c racking resistance, limited thermal stability and/or only medium hydro lytic stability. Moreover the industrial application of HPP is hindere d by higher prices and nonavailability in larger quantities. In case o f no success in current efforts (tailor made blends, surface modificat ion) these deficiencies might contribute to a certain decline of HP po lymers as already observed in a few cases.