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2012-12-31 Improved-clarity polycarbonate resins perform in LED lighting applications
Technological advancements in light-emitting diodes (LEDs), such as higher lumen output and longer life spans, together with their expansion into the huge general lighting market require commensurate advancements in materials used in solid-state-lighting (SSL) products. Polycarbonate (PC) resins in various optical applications for LEDs such as lenses, covers, tubes, pipes, diffusers and reflectors offer a good complement with improved clarity and the ability to withstand high temperatures.
Fig. 1.
LED technology is rapidly changing to meet market demands for higher brightness, improved aesthetics, lower costs and longer useful life. These trends have raised concerns about components of LED lighting fixtures. One issue is how to increase the durability of these components to match the exceptional – and growing – life span of the LED modules themselves. Another is improving luminous efficacy (using less energy to achieve the same brightness), which is being addressed in part by increasing the light transmission performance of optical lenses and covers. Still another challenge is enhancing the quality of LED light for residential applications, making it softer and closer to incandescent lighting and avoiding hot spots, to drive consumer adoption. Finally, because LED costs remain comparatively high, it is important to protect these expensive modules with impact-resistant components.
Improved-clarity PC technologies offer potential solutions to all these issues. Although polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and, to a lesser extent, glass, have traditionally been chosen for LED optical applications, both materials have drawbacks that these new PC materials avoid. Further, as LEDs continue to evolve and raise the bar on requirements for optical components, the high-performance attributes of PC accommodate new demands – higher temperature ranges, longer exposure to heat and tougher flammability requirements.
The latest PC technology provides a comprehensive value proposition to meet current and future requirements from molders, manufacturers and regulators (Fig. 1). This benefits package includes exceptional mechanical properties and durability, light transmission on par with PMMA, freedom to design and mold configurations and build in specific diffusion levels, and most critically, compliance with safety and sustainability mandates.
These PC resins are engineered with improved monomers and are produced using a technologically advanced process. This process results in high-purity resins that provide significantly improved light transmission as molded and after heat aging, as compared to standard- and optical-grade PCs, as well as other performance enhancements. Improved-clarity resins are helping to drive the growing prominence of PC in the LED market, particularly the general- and automotive-lighting sectors.
Let's consider some of the major advantages of improved-clarity PCs over traditional acrylics and glass for LED optical components.
PC life span
One of the chief advantages of LEDs is their extended useful life of >30,000 hours (more than 10-15 years). While this long life span means LEDs are more environmentally responsible and cost-effective than previous types of lighting, it raises concerns about the durability of LED lenses, tubes, reflectors and covers...
Fig. 1.
LED technology is rapidly changing to meet market demands for higher brightness, improved aesthetics, lower costs and longer useful life. These trends have raised concerns about components of LED lighting fixtures. One issue is how to increase the durability of these components to match the exceptional – and growing – life span of the LED modules themselves. Another is improving luminous efficacy (using less energy to achieve the same brightness), which is being addressed in part by increasing the light transmission performance of optical lenses and covers. Still another challenge is enhancing the quality of LED light for residential applications, making it softer and closer to incandescent lighting and avoiding hot spots, to drive consumer adoption. Finally, because LED costs remain comparatively high, it is important to protect these expensive modules with impact-resistant components.
Improved-clarity PC technologies offer potential solutions to all these issues. Although polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and, to a lesser extent, glass, have traditionally been chosen for LED optical applications, both materials have drawbacks that these new PC materials avoid. Further, as LEDs continue to evolve and raise the bar on requirements for optical components, the high-performance attributes of PC accommodate new demands – higher temperature ranges, longer exposure to heat and tougher flammability requirements.
The latest PC technology provides a comprehensive value proposition to meet current and future requirements from molders, manufacturers and regulators (Fig. 1). This benefits package includes exceptional mechanical properties and durability, light transmission on par with PMMA, freedom to design and mold configurations and build in specific diffusion levels, and most critically, compliance with safety and sustainability mandates.
These PC resins are engineered with improved monomers and are produced using a technologically advanced process. This process results in high-purity resins that provide significantly improved light transmission as molded and after heat aging, as compared to standard- and optical-grade PCs, as well as other performance enhancements. Improved-clarity resins are helping to drive the growing prominence of PC in the LED market, particularly the general- and automotive-lighting sectors.
Let's consider some of the major advantages of improved-clarity PCs over traditional acrylics and glass for LED optical components.
PC life span
One of the chief advantages of LEDs is their extended useful life of >30,000 hours (more than 10-15 years). While this long life span means LEDs are more environmentally responsible and cost-effective than previous types of lighting, it raises concerns about the durability of LED lenses, tubes, reflectors and covers...
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