October 8, 2012 – Solvay Specialty Polymers USA LLC has extended its line of high-performance polyester compounds with a new version targeting light-emitting diode (LED) TVs with higher heat and light stability.

Seeking to reduce product costs, TV manufacturers are finding ways to reduce the number of LEDs by sending more amps through the devices to hike brightness. (Another cost-lowering strategy: go the other way and give up some brightness in LED backlit models.) This raises the junction temperatures, though, and some materials can’t handle the higher heat and light output, e.g. discoloring more quickly in applications such as reflector cups.

Solvay’s new "Lavanta" 5115 WH 011 high-performance polyester line of liquid-crystal polymers, is a 15% glass fiber-reinforced injection molding compound developed specifically for LED electronic packaging applications that utilize surface mount technology. It has high reflectivity (>95%) with excellent whiteness retention even after thermal and light aging, translating to better reliability for LEDs that operate at high junction temperatures — e.g. filling very thin-walled sections required for low-profile, side-view LEDs. It also offers dimensional stability due to its low moisture absorption and exceptional weld line strength, according to the company.

The company plans to expand the Lavanta line with an enhanced version possessing even greater heat and light stability for longer product life and reliability. In addition to LED TV applications, the material is targeted for general lighting for indoor and outdoor applications.