Trinseo, the global materials company and manufacturer of plastics, latex binders and synthetic rubber, today announced that it is seeing a strong demand for its polycarbonate compounds and blends. Of particular interest are Trinseo’s UL-certified clear grades, which allow for very high light transmission and the ability to compound in light diffusion aids to achieve uniformity of light distribution while maintaining high lumens efficiency.

“An important part of this is being able to offer our customers the ability to customize Trinseo plastics based on application, balancing the critical properties of transparency, ignition resistance and thickness,”  said Bill Marshall, senior account manager of LED lighting at Trinseo. “The goal continues to be to optimize visible light at the thinnest gauge possible for energy efficiency and cost savings and compliance with UL regulations.”

“This industry, like the rest in our Performance Plastics portfolio, is very discerning,” Marshall added. “The emphasis from our perspective has always been on helping OEMs achieve the benefits of LED technology and differentiate themselves in the marketplace.”  

Trinseo offers a complete range of clear, UL certified grades. Its newest patent-pending technology, EMERGE™ 8830 LT Advanced Resin, is an innovative, clear polycarbonate that balances the properties of transparency, thickness and ignition resistance. Nearly as transparent as glass, the material is unique in that it has earned a UL 94 rating of V-0 at 1.0 mm and a 5VA rating at 2.5 mm. The material is available for indoor and outdoor applications.

Trinseo’s materials, CALIBRE™ Polycarbonate Resins and EMERGE™ Advanced Resins, are used routinely in lenses, covers, housings, and reflectors. They are specified by a growing list of blue chip customers for their ability to address critical industry needs, including thinner gauge plastics, lighter weight materials, design freedom, and superior optics.

Trinseo has a rich history in the LED lighting industry that includes being involved with the technology since the evolution away from incandescent lighting began.