Household articles are frequently subject to high mechanical and thermal stressing and are required to satisfy stringent aesthetic demands. Articles that come into contact with foods must also comply with the international regulations.

The new household appliances standard IEC 60335-1 presents new challenges as far as fire protection is concerned. Rated currents of greater than 0.2 amps flow through many unattended household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers. The test criterion relating to ignitability has been made far more stringent for these appliances. In accordance with the household appliances standard IEC 60335-1, it is only permitted to make direct use of a plastic in these appliances if test specimens of the plastic pass two glow wire tests. In accordance with this, the plastic must have a GWFI value of at least 850 °C (Glow Wire Flammability Index, IEC 60695-2-11 and IEC 60695-2-12) and a GWIT value of 775 °C (Glow Wire Ignition Temperature, IEC 60695-2-13). If the plastic does not meet these requirements, the finished part must be tested. This test is not only more difficult to pass, but it also requires more time and effort and is more expensive.
In addition to this, increasing demands are being made for grades with antimony-, bromine- und chlorine-free flame retardance.

We offer Makrolon®, Apec® and Bayblend® grades which fulfill the particular requirements for the different applications.

Thus, Makrolon® polycarbonate has been a material of choice for tableware and other kitchen products for years. Makrolon® polycarbonate delivers outstanding break and splitter resistance, superior dimensional stability and high heat resistance so that components can withstand temperature fluctuations during washing unharmed. Other advantages are its long-lasting transparency and good resistance to weathering and low temperatures. Makrolon® food contact grades comply with the international regulations.

Apec® can be found for example in hairdryer housings with diffuser attachments where stringent requirements are placed on heat resistance.

Bayblend® e.g. is used in appliance covers and housings for kitchen appliances.
Flame retarded Bayblend® grades are used for front panels and for the housings of kitchen appliances, for example.
Bayblend® FR offers far more than just reliable flame retardance. We also supply materials that are optimized in terms of their mechanical properties, chemical resistance and flowability.

Find out more about the certificates of compliance of the RoHS and WEEE directives!