IPC White Paper on Halogen-Free Materials Used for Printed Circuit Boards and Assemblies

摘要

Due to the nature of their (flammable components) composition and function (transmission of electrical charges), printed circuit boards (PCBs) require ignition protection. Flame retardant materials, which prevent ignition and spread of flames should ignition occur, present a number of manufacturing challenges in terms of cost, performance, fire safety, and health, environmental, and regulatory issues. Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is the primary flame retardant used in PCBs. It is cost effective, compatible with PCB components, qualified in use on a worldwide basis, and has no health, environmental, or regulatory issues that exclude its use. Still there exists a number of activities that are being driven by marketing and not science which call for its reduction or elimination from PCBs. This document serves as a historical perspective and status of industrial, environmental, and legislative programs. It also provides information on cost, performance, product reliability, consumer safety, and end-of-life issues of common and alternative flame retardants used in PCBs.