BASF: Less electro-corrosion, more color: New Ultramid® Advanced N for high-voltage connectors in electric cars

BASF is now expanding its polyphthalamide (PPA) portfolio with Ultramid® Advanced N3U42G6, a non-halogenated flame-retardant polyamide 9T that reduces the electrocorrosion of metal contacts in electrical and electronic (E&E) parts for electromobility. The PPA increases the safety and durability of high-voltage (HV) connectors in e.g. inverters, DC-DC converters and batteries in electric cars. Due to its high strength and stiffness over a wide temperature range, its excellent chemical resistance and dimensional stability, Ultramid® Advanced N-Type improves the robustness and reliability of thin-walled HV connectors – and thus meets the growing demands of the automotive industry for halogen-free E&E components used in warm and humid conditions. The new Ultramid® Advanced N3U42G6 is available uncolored with UL-certified masterbatches, but also as a colored version with high color stability, easy processing and excellent color stability after heat aging.

As one of the first E&E companies, automotive supplier KOSTAL Kontakt Systeme, Lüdenscheid, is now using the new Ultramid® Advanced N in several components in its KS22 Class 4 high-voltage connector for high-current modules. The HV connector, the smallest in its performance class, benefits from BASF PPA in several ways: it enables miniaturization and saves installation space, as it exhibits good flowability even with thin wall thicknesses. Ultramid® Advanced N3U42G6 gives the connector a very high level of electrical insulation that beats aliphatic polyamides, especially at elevated temperatures. In addition, it has a high elongation at break, so that white breakage does not occur during assembly of the various components. This means that automotive customers can rely on the safe and durable performance of the HV connector from KOSTAL, with the best combination of electrical insulation and mechanical properties.

The flame-retardant Ultramid® Advanced N3U42G6 extends the service life of E&E components as it is halogen-free in accordance with EN 50642. It prevents contact corrosion and the subsequent failure of sensitive electrical parts that are exposed to heat and moisture. The PPA achieves fire protection class UL94 with V-0 at 0.25 mm. It also enables long-lasting color coding, which is safety-relevant in areas with high voltages: it meets all requirements for color stability and heat aging resistance. In BASF tests, color stability was confirmed after 1,000 hours at up to 150°C. Pre-colored grades such as the e-mobility standard Orange RAL 2003 are available directly from BASF. For self-coloring, more than 50 inorganic and organic dyes can be used that are approved for coloring PPAs and exhibit heat stability up to 350°C.

“Our new, non-halogenated grade combines the outstanding properties of our superhero Ultramid® Advanced N with better colorability, long color stability and excellent corrosion protection,” says Volker Zeiher from Component Development for Engineering Plastics at BASF. “With this optimized PA9T, our customers can develop innovative, first-class E&E components, flanked by BASF’s proven flame retardant expertise and material know-how for E&E applications. Ultramid® Advanced N3U42G6 is part of our customized PPA flame retardant portfolio for the E&E industry, driving the development of sophisticated parts in consumer electronics, automotive battery systems and electric powertrains.”

Due to its low moisture absorption and high heat deflection temperature of 265°C, Ultramid® Advanced N3U42G6 is particularly suitable for connectors where surface mount technology (SMT) is used for manufacturing: It guarantees high dimensional stability and avoids blistering or resizing of the machined part during the SMT process. The new PPA grade is particularly suitable for SMT as it can withstand higher temperatures without losing its mechanical strength. This increases the quality of the post-processed E&E plastic parts and helps to reduce production waste and costs.

About Ultramid® Advanced

BASF’s polyphthalamide portfolio is based on the six polymers Ultramid® Advanced N (PA9T), Ultramid® Advanced T1000 (PA6T/6I), Ultramid® Advanced T2000 (PA6T/66), Ultramid® T KR (PA6T/6), Ultramid® T6000 (PA66/6T) and Ultramid® T7000 (PA/PPA). This enables the next generation of lightweight, high-performance plastic components to be developed in many different sectors – from the automotive and E&E industries to mechanical engineering and consumer goods. The PPA range is available worldwide and is complemented by BASF’s Ultrasim® simulation tool and extensive experience in application development. The portfolio of more than 50 compounds includes grades for processing in injection molding and extrusion as well as products with or without flame retardancy. They are available in various colors, from colourless to laser-markable black, reinforced with short glass or mineral fibres and equipped with various heat stabilizers.

About BASF’s Performance Materials division
BASF’s Performance Materials division is leading the transformation of the plastics industry – we combine sustainability and competitiveness. Materials expertise, a broad product portfolio and a deep understanding of the industry come from a single source. With dedicated materials experts and a strong research team, we deliver industry-leading technologies and know-how to our customers around the world. Our global network gives our customers a competitive edge – providing superior innovation worldwide, regional proximity and customized solutions that meet local market requirements. We aim to improve performance and efficiency in the automotive industry, consumer goods, industrial applications and construction. Together with our partners, we are embarking on #OurPlasticsJourney towards a circular and sustainable future. In 2024, the global turnover of the Performance Materials division amounted to € 6.8 billion. Join us on #OurPlasticsJourney on LinkedIn https://on.basf.com/PM_LinkedIn and in our newsletter https://on.basf.com/PM_Newsletter.

Further information at: https://www.performance-materials.basf.com
 
About BASF
BASF stands for chemistry for a sustainable future. Our claim: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable the green transformation of our customers. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in almost every industry and in almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises the Core Businesses Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions and Nutrition & Care; the Standalone Businesses are bundled in the Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions segments. BASF achieved global sales of €65.3 billion in 2024. BASF shares are traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the USA. Further information can be found at www.basf.com.

Further links

👉 www.ppa.basf.com 
👉 www.ultramid-advanced-n.basf.com

Photo: BASF 2025